Wychavon's chairman got a "scare" as he came face-to-face with a vision of himself while judging a scarecrow competition.

Cllr Robert Raphael, who was tasked with assessing the 106 entries for this year's Fernhill Heath Scarecrow Trail, couldn't escape the fun as Wychavon staff created a scarecrow in his likeness.

He judged the event as part of his tour of Wychavon to mark the district's 50th anniversary next April.

<hr>

Read more: Dumped XL bully dogs looking for homes in Worcester

<hr>

The event, now in its sixth year, sees various scarecrows inspired by books, television, film and the imagination of residents sprung across the village towards the end of October.

Wychavon staff even took part, creating a 'Chaircrow', a hay-made replica of Cllr Raphael, for visitors to get a photo opportunity with outside of the event's pop-up community café.

Highlights from the trail included a life-size Crimbo cracker, a nod to the Netflix hit, Stranger Things and a range of Marvel superheroes.

A Strictly Come Dancing based display took the honours in group category, with a scout camp re-created in second place while a throwback to 1980's Ghostbusters nailed the third spot.

The individual category winner was 'Witch on the lamppost', followed by 'Ironing Man' in second and 'ET' in third.

Hindlip First School received a special Chairman's Choice Award for its depiction of a scene from Julia Donaldson's book, Scarecrow’s Wedding.

Cllr Raphael said: "It was an honour to judge this year’s festival but a really tough job.

"The standard of entries and creativity was very impressive.

"Congratulations to everyone who took part and the organisers for their hard work.

"It was a lot of fun and will have brought a smile to the faces of a lot of people."

Cllr Raphael continues his district tour, aiming to visit every parish by April next year, when Wychavon celebrates its 50th anniversary.

To follow Cllr Raphael on his tour, visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/fifty.