CREATIVE kids from Helensburgh and beyond were not scared to show off their brilliant designs at the Ardardan scarecrow festival last weekend.

The annual fun-fest, held at the Ardardan estate in Cardross, attracted hundreds of visitors and even a rare glimpse of sunshine over the two-day event which saw 24 exciting entries to the competition.

Local groups and organisations, as well as schoolkids – with a little help from their parents – made some wonderfully wacky creations for display and there was also a bouncy castle, BBQ and tractor and trailer rides on a fun for all the family occasion.

Ardardan estate director Susan Montgomery said: “It was a brilliant weekend, helped by the weather of course, and there was so much creativity on show.

“Around 400 people voted for different scarecrows, so it was a great turnout.

“All of the entries were very different and had different takes on themes and we are always pleasantly surprised to see what people come up with.”

The eventual winner of this year’s scarecrow trophy was Colgrain Community House for their Royal Navy inspired take and Susan said it was a close call, but a well-deserved decision.

She added: “There were lots of super entries and it was close between first and second, with Mr potato head by Join the Dots Community Arts and Crayons with Clyde Nursery finishing in joint second.

“It’s nice to see so many people come out and have fun and it brings people together.

“I think the quality of entries gets better every year!”

The celebration of local creativity and teamwork takes place every year and organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s event.

Ardardan estate thanked everyone who took part and came along to vote.