ALIENS and other beings from out of this world have been spotted in Westwood where hundreds of people have been blazing this year’s scarecrow trail.

So far, more than 200 trail maps have been sold by the organisers of the 11th annual scarecrow trail to raise funds for the village school.

This year’s theme is Out of This World and there are 29 scarecrows on the trail, as well as three bonus scarecrows at the New Inn, the Westwood Parish Rooms and St Mary the Virgin Church.

Organisers, the Friends of Westwood-with-Iford Primary School are trying to raise funds to buy new gym equipment for the pupils.

Lilly Webb, who organised the trail with Bryony Green, said: “We are delighted with how people have engaged with the trail. It has been a real community effort.

“The quality of the scarecrows is really good this year. People have pulled out all the stops.

So far, we’ve had plenty of trailers out enjoying the sunshine. We saw scooters, bikes, pushchairs, dog walkers, grandmas, grandpas, children, family groups and villagers too.

“Spotted on the trail yesterday were pushchairs, wheelchairs, picnickers in the park, husband versus wives teams, unicorn scooters and frilly skirts.”

The organisers sold more than 200 trail maps over the weekend and have so far raised nearly £1,000.

The trail, with a free prize draw, is set to last all through the May half term week and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations until Sunday, June 5.

Local resident, Christine Cole, 70, from Linden Crescent, has helped celebrate the Jubilee by crocheting a woollen topper for the Westwood Village Store's Post Box.

Called 'The Queen's Coming for Tea', it contains a cup and saucer, teapot and a plateful of cup cakes in red, white and blue, complete with a crown made from an old handbag and Union Flags.

"It's taken me a about a week to make," said Mrs Cole. "I just thought it would lovely for people to see while they are walking around the village for the scarecrow trail."

Refreshments are available from The New Inn Westwood, No. 10 Tea Garden, Iford Manor Gardens, Cross Guns at Avoncliff and the Westwood Parish Rooms or trail-goers can picnic in Westwood Park.

Trail maps at £4.50 each or £5 with a pencil are now on sale at Westwood Village Store in Tynings Way and The New Inn Westwood. Parking is available at Westwood Social Club.