Celebrities including Jordan Pickford and Ronnie O’Sullivan have been spotted in the villages of Grateley and Palestine – but not quite as we’re used to them.

They were two of the entrants put forward by villagers in their scarecrow competition, and were joined by a host of doctors, nurses and even superheroes in the contest. The event was raising money towards new equipment for a play park in the area, raising hundreds of pounds.

Kate Standfield, one of the event’s organisers, told the Advertiser: “We hope to be able to give the children of Grateley and Palestine a play park they deserve, as they have sure waited long enough!

“It was a huge success, and luckily we were all finished before the rain!”

The annual event took place on Sunday, July 4, with participants paying a donation to enter the contest and with a chance to win prizes in a variety of categories. These were donated by a variety of businesses, including Heathercroft Meadow Flowers, The Plough Inn pub, Gray Manor Hotel and Hideaway Gardens.

Judges Bernie, Julie and April selected the best of the bunch in three categories, which were adults, children and family groups.

In the adult category, Captain Tom emerged triumphant, followed by ‘Rocket’ Ronnie O’Sullivan and a pilot in third. As for the kids, Henry Coleman’s fireman in his engine came out on top, with a nurse and patient in second and Jordan Pickford in third.

Finally, in the family group, superheroes swept the board, with Effy and Chloe Davis’s ‘Superheroes in Training’ taking first place, with Spider-Man’s new job as a doctor taking second place, and Captain America and Superman coming in third.

The event raised £255 towards the play area, which the parish council has been working on for some months. After taking quotes in March, new picnic benches have been bought for Locke Close Field, with manufacturers of play equipment contacted as the next step of improving the area.