CRUELLA de Vil, Lassie and Jack Sparrow were among the famous movie characters given the straw treatment at Belbroughton’s annual wurzel festival.

The north Worcestershire village was taken over by hundreds of straw-stuffed versions of the greatest heroes and villains from the world of film and television as it played host to the 17th annual Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival.

More than 20,000 people flocked to the fun-filled family event held on Saturday September 27 and Sunday September 28 which looks to have raised thousands for a host of good causes in the village.

Scarecrow festival chairman Ian Pemberton said: "I was blown away. We had up to 23,000 visitors - it was really fantastic. We've had lots of good feedback."

As well as the 132 colourful wurzels adorning buildings, lamp-posts, front gardens, hedges and rooftops – the festival also featured entertainment for all the family including children’s fairground rides and face-painting, classic cars and motorbikes, a farmers’ market, craft fair, model steam train, farm animals from Belbroughton’s Animal Sanctuary and Protection, church bell tower tours, art exhibition, floral displays, choir performances, trade and charity stands and refreshments.

Mr Pemberton added: "It was a gamble for us to go with the £20 family ticket and offer rides for free. "Some of the rides had long queues so that's something we'll look at for next year. But if people managed to get on two or three rides during the day it was well worth the entry fee I hope."

Money raised from the two-day event will give a much-needed financial boost to village organisations including Belbroughton CofE Primary School, Holy Trinity Church and Belbroughton Recreation Centre.

Other groups including the cricket club and animal sanctuary are also expected to receive a share of the proceeds.

A wurzel version of The Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Church Hill was named the best overall exhibit of the festival; and youngsters with learning disabilities from South and City College Birmingham picked up a prize for their Teenage Melon Ginger Scaretles display, which was named the best offering created by non-residents.

To see more Belbroughton scarecrow snaps go to http://www.belbroughtonscarecrow.co.uk