Stanton-by-Dale’s scarecrow competition is up and running with fabulous entries throughout the village this year.

But in an unexpected twist one of the child scarecrows with the Lollipop lady was stolen on Sunday evening between 11.40 and 12.15.

Councillor Marie Edinborough who made the scarecrow reported that her 5 year old daughter who helped make the figure with her was very upset.

Villagers will be voting on the winning scarecrow on Sunday during the village fete.