Swaffham scarecrow and Christmas tree competitions thought up for families to enjoy

Plans have been drawn up for both a family scarecrow and Christmas tree competition in a market town.

Swaffham town councillor Lindsay Beech has presented her plans for a 'Scarecrow Scavenge’ for the February half-term in which residents would design scarecrows of Covid heroes in the town.

These scarecrow designs would depict those who have supported Swaffham during the pandemic such as key workers, shop workers and council officers.

Participants would send in photos of their scarecrows to the town council for judging with prizes for each category such as ‘the funniest’ and ‘most heroic’.

Cllr Beech said: "It would encourage people to get outside walking and exercising, being out and about, wrapped up and being active."

She also emphasised that the competition would be Covid-secure with social distancing, and residents would be encouraged to look at the scarecrows in the town from a safe distance.

The scarecrows would be in gardens, easily visible from the pavement, between Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 21.

Cllr Beech has also thought up plans for a Christmas tree competition, which would be similar to the Swaffham Garden Competition she organised during the first lockdown.

The event would be ‘virtual’ with families invited to send in photos with the winners of each category being announced by the end of January.

Categories would include ‘most patriotic’, and ‘most glamorous’. There would also be a category for the best 'made in Swaffham' tree using only Swaffham-sourced products.

Cllr Beech said this would encourage residents to shop locally, and was described as a "brilliant idea" by fellow town councillor Colin Houghton

The competition would only be open to those living in Swaffham with further details set to be released in due course.

A similar scarecrow trail has already proven to be successful during the pandemic period in Clenchwarton, West Lynn, Terrington and the Walpoles.

It has been confirmed the Swaffham Festive Christmas Market has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. Traders will be invited to a regular market in the future instead.