IMAGINATIVE creations were on display at this year's Brading Scarecrow Festival.

With more than 30 entries submitted, and trail maps to locate individual scarecrows, the festival was well supported by Brading residents who had taken inspiration from topical issues such as Brexit and plastic pollution.

A celebratory fun day was also held, hosted at Brading Youth and Community Centre, and hailed a success.

Brading town mayor, Richard Hudspith, and Isle of Wight councillor, Cllr Brian Tyndall, became targets for the wet sponge throwing event.

Other activities included Splat the Rat, organised by Brading Men in Sheds, a craft table organised by the children of St Helens Pre-School, face painting and Colin the magician.

Volunteer catering staff at the Old School Cafe were rushed off their feet serving bacon baps, cakes, tea and coffee.

Val Drury, of Brading Residents' Association, and event co-ordinator, said: “These two events raised more than £300 for the community centre and residents' association.

"Many thanks to all the businesses and individuals that donated prizes, including Brading Roman Villa, Lilliput Doll and Toy Museum, The Kynges Well, Brading Town Football Club, Brothers Fish and Chips, Root and Fruit Sandown, Adgestone Vineyard, Asda and Tesco.

"I also want to thank all the volunteers who made the day such a success."

Mayor Hudspith and Val Drury presented the prizes, with entries including a mermaid, hedgehog, astronaut and Queen Victoria.

Among the winners were Roisin, Jack and Ronan Mullins-Jacobs, who won the family category, and Max Gibbins and Bow Wilson who won their age categories.

The Champion of Champions, voted by visitors, was Maribel Glover for her Unrecycled Scarecrow, made out of crisp packets and plastic cartons.

Every Monday and Friday, The Old School Cafe is open from 10am to 1pm, hosting activities and raising funds for the Bembridge Community Partnership.