MORE than 300 families followed a glow in the dark scarecrow trail at Walwayne Court Primary School last Friday (19 October).

The school, in Brook Road, Trowbridge, held its annual

illuminated scarecrow trail from 5pm to 8pm to raise £800 for its funds.

Organiser Amanda Wiffen said: “The Glow in the Dark Children’s TV theme was such a great success with over 300 families attending.

“The 23 glowing scarecrows wowed the masses, lighting up the woodland area of the school grounds alongside twinkling hanging candles in the trees, creating a truly magical experience for all the family.”

Dynamic Laser Southwest put on a kaleidoscopic laser show, making the event less than ordinary and helped to create a festival atmosphere.

Families also got to enjoy some free activities, including a UV body painting tent, shadow TV screen with lighting donated by Travis Perkins, reflective badge making, bubble fun zones, toasting marshmallows and a mini disco by Maria Gonzalez.

Brandon Tool Hire also supplied the festival lighting and porta loos at a reduced rate.

Tummies were fed well courtesy of JC Kitchen, who generously donated 20 per cent of their takings on the night, and Papa Johns, who donated 20 pizzas to sell.

A donation towards the kitchen from Tesco Express helped to buy the tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

The scarecrow entries were outstanding and all families had gone to so much effect to impress the crowds.

On completing the trail families voted for their favourite scarecrow, with the winner being Diane, Andy, Betty and Ted Hill’s SpongeBob SquarePants who glowed brightly in the woods.

Second place went to Lisa and Florence Sampson’s Peppa Pig, which came with its own muddy puddle and lit street lamp, and third place went to Terry, Liz, Tilly and Casper Stokes for their Homer Simpson.

If you would like to get involved next year, the theme will be ‘Glow in the Dark Scarecrow Trail - Musicals’.

Anyone can enter a scarecrow and all are welcome to attend. Please contact Amanda Wiffen either via the school or preferably on our public event page https://www.facebook.com/walwaynepublicevents/

Ms Wiffen said: “This event raised a brilliant sum of over £800, which we hope will dent the needs of the school and add to the enjoyment of an already amazing primary school.

“All funds raised will go towards enriching the education of the children by way of supporting schemes such as the ‘Life Bus’, which teaches children all about their bodies and emotional health, and guest speakers to support class topics.

“Funds also go towards keeping the school’s IT resources up-to-date, which were previously funded by government schemes and grants, that are now being withdrawn.”

She was supported to run the event by the fully-committed small team of PTA members, school governors and parent volunteers.