TWO west Dorset villages have sprung to life to celebrate British culture.

This year's Loders and Uploders Scarecrow Festival has been described as "the best ever" by organisers as British icons including Mary Anning, David Bowie and Emily Pankhurst were created by villagers.

Alison Saunders' Emily Davidson, along with a horse, took first place in the fifth annual event, with Queen Boudicca in second place - ahead of Emily Pankhurst in bronze position.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The annual festival is co-ordinated by Louise Peraux and Rachel Dunn.

Ms Peraux said: "This year was our best year ever. We had more than 40 entries which was fantastic. We even had a talking scarecrow.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

"We did have a bit of an incident on Friday night when Mick Jagger was stolen, but he later turned up in Burton Bradstock the next day. There were lots of jokes around because we had Sherlock Holmes who people thought wasn't able to solve where he had gone."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The theme was picked to tie in with celebrations for The Queen's 90th birthday, and Ms Peraux was pleased villagers were able to use their creative skills.

"It is great fun and it's good to have lots of people walking around the village," she said. "We tied the theme in with the Queen's 90th birthday. We had a royal-themed one in our first year, so rather than do another royal one, as the Queen is the greatest Briton, we thought it would be a nice connection to help people be creative.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

"A few people said that they couldn't make one but at least they have had a go - and some of them are real scarecrows. Whatever people's ability at making them is, it's a great thing to give people a bit of pleasure and a laugh."

The scarecrows will be on display until Saturday (4).