A VILLAGE was invaded by Martians, camels and dragons as a popular festival returned.

Higham held its eighth annual scarecrow festival over the Bank Holiday Weekend with thousands turning out to see more than 65 straw statues created to the theme of travel and holidays.

The huge collection designed and built by local residents included families going on holiday, scarecrows on beaches, a flying saucer with a Martian inside, a camel being ridden by children, Blackpool Tower and scarecrows carrying a Chinese dragon.

Event organiser Terry Butterfield said: “It was extremely popular. It was buzzing all weekend. Every parking space in the village seemed to be taken up.

“This is our eighth year and it’s just going from strength to strength. People love it and I saw lots of smiles on faces. It was a cracking event.”

Proceeds from the event will go to St John’s Church in Higham and the village hall. Sum raised is not yet known but it is likely to be good.