RESIDENTS and local businesses across Haworth are scaring away the crows this May as they take part in the first Haworth Scarecrow festival for Christian Aid.

The creativity and humour of the community is reflected in their creations that embrace the Christian Aid Week theme of Climate Justice, with scarecrows from polar bears to bees, with special appearances by famous artists and celebrities including Dolly Parton, David Attenborough and two Greta Thunbergs.

Rev Chris Upton, of West Lane Baptist Church, said: “Over the past five years our main fundraiser in Christian Aid Week has been the pop-up shop through the week and the 1940’s weekend. This year we needed something Covid safe, that brought some fun and connection to the local community and encouraged people to get out and walk around after such a long time in lockdown.”

“Although the festival is underway more brilliant scarecrows have appeared than are on our map, we welcome donations from anyone who enjoys hunting all of the Scarecrows on the Just Giving page.

“The scarecrows are everywhere from people’s gardens, right down main street, in pubs, galleries and local business along onto Mill Hey. It is so heartening to see our community doing something positive and uplifting to support those communities already effected by the climate crisis.”

Local business owner Sarah Jane, of Eden Ethical Beauty, was the first to put a scarecrow up in her shop and said: “The Covid pandemic does show, when we have a collective responsibility how well we come together. If we could translate that same effort into climate change we actually have the potential as human beings to care for each other.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/haworthscarecrows