AN EYE-CATCHING scarecrow trail has benefitted two Wem youth groups.

The event was first held last year, as a covid-friendly alternative to Wem Ccarnival, and has become something of a new traditional for residents.

With the carnival cancelled for a second year, the town once again embraced the event, with more than 30 scarecrows being created.

And this year the residents themselves were given the choice on who the winners were, with 100 judges choosing their favourites.

The event was put together by the WheelbarroWEM Committee, and member Steve Tudor said he was "surprised" at the number of entries.

He said: "We weren't expecting as many as last year, as that was held during lockdown so people were at home and had time to create their scarecrows.

"So we were quite surprised when we got 34 entries.

"As a committee we don't judge it, the public judge it.

"We put out forms that people could use to judge and we had 100 judges so we sat down on Saturday and counted all the entries.

"We wanted to get the youngsters involved as well so we had an under-16 category that did very well and had eight entries."

Steve said the event was once again a success, with two of the town's youth charities set to benefit.

"It's gone very well," he added.

"There are two youth organisations in the town that we have supported.

"The Stage Door Theatre wanted some stuff for resources and the other one is the revived Wem Youth Club, who want to put on a kids Christmas party.

"Later in the year we will also be having our wheelbarrow run again, with the Christmas theme and that will take place on December 19."