Shropshire scarecrow festival hit by burglars
Organisers of a popular scarecrow festival were left devastated after burglars targeted the village church ahead of the event.
The Hadnall Scarecrow Festival, organised by St Mary Magdalene Church hoped to raise money for church repairs.
But after thieves stole gardening equipment from the church's shed, the money will now have to go to insurance excess.
Judi Pridding, church treasurer said: "We had a fantastic weekend with 25 scarecrows and we raised £497.41.
"We are obviously thrilled, but sadly there has been a raw edge to it all.
"Unfortunately the church shed was burgled last Monday and they stole two lawnmowers, three strimmers, a hedge cutter and leaf blower.
"All that money raised during the festival will be going towards the excess on the insurance rather than the church repair fund.
"It is heartache really because it is devastating. We have a fantastic team of volunteer gardeners who work hard and dedicate their time to keeping the grounds and the graves pristine."
The committee has told the police about the crime, and officers are looking into the incident.
But despite the incident, organisers said the festival itself was a huge success.
Mrs Pridding said: "The community voted on what they thought the best scarecrow was and the final winner was Shaun the Sheep. It was a superb one, it really was. We also had joint runners up and they were the fireman on a ladder rescuing a cat from the church guttering, and we also had a Viking in a long boat.
"We are very grateful to everyone who bought cakes and made scarecrows.
"The weather was good as well so it was a really good festival.
"I think everyone had a fantastic weekend."
Anyone with information about the break in last week should contact police by telephoning 101.
