Dominic Cummings and Boris in a Sunderland strip among installations as Murton's village scarecrow competition brings together horror, humour and honour for heroes

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More than 100 displays have been put on show in Murton after the community decided everyone needed a laugh during the ongoing pandemic.

The idea was put into action by Julie Griffiths, a Murton Parish Councillor, after Police Community Support Officer Dylan Middlemiss suggested people could get involved, with the parish council and Durham County Council helping to fund the project.

Starter packs, including hay from Lambs Farm in the village, a DIY overall and cable ties were handed out to residents, with the finished works now on show and prizes handed out to those judged to be the best.

President of the United States Donald Trump, a take on the Dominic Cummings lockdown controversy and the Great British Bake Off are among a series of displays inspired by recent events.

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President Trump holding a bottle of Dettol, Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a mask and Sunderland AFC kit, fitness trainer Joe Wicks, Great British Bake Off judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood taking tea and a treat and a holidaymaker enjoying a staycation are among those inspired by current events.

Halloween also plays a big part of the display, with the Nightmare Before Christmas, the Addams Family, a card games and a round of Guinness for horror’s Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees and the slasher from Scream and Day of the Dead figures included.

A tribute to the war fallen is the message behind some – the village was home to Victoria Cross-honoured William McNally for his heroic efforts in northern Italy in October 1918 – while a host of film and comic characters have been created by others, as well as burglars making an exit from one house and an NCB pitman.

A selection of the Murton Scarecrow Competition entries.

Now it has been followed up with a pumpkin challenge for youngsters, with 400 dropped off at homes ahead of Halloween.

Julie, who helped support others during the lockdown with doorstep deliveries for those in need, said: “We weren’t expecting it, but I’ve counted 105 photos of those sent in so far.

"We are dead proud and it’s just lovely just to see.

Humour and heritage has played a part in the scarecrows put on show in Murton.

"It’s brought a smile to people’s faces and that’s what we need, especially at the moment.”

More photographs and a list of streets where people can spot entries can be found via the Murton Scarecrow Competition Facebook page.

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The entries into Murton Scarecrow Competition have been frighteningly good.

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