A SCARECROW inspired by iconic film star Marilyn Monroe has seen a care home named best at an annual festival.

New Copford Place staff and residents are celebrating their win at this year's Copford and Easthorpe Scarecrow Festival.

The Colchester-based home, run by the charity Friends of the Elderly, entered the competition with their creation, Marilyn.

The scarecrow was designed by the care team with creative input from the residents.

Chelsey Leather, the care home's activities coordinator, said: "We chatted about the Scarecrow Festival with the residents and they were very keen to participate."

The residents and care team had a lively discussion about the type of scarecrow they should create.

Suggestions included recreating famous scarecrows such as the one from The Wizard of Oz, Worzel Gummidge, Aunt Sally, and Dolly Clothes-Peg.

However, the consensus was to create a unique scarecrow for New Copford Place.

Ms Leather added: "As our residents love films, Marilyn, who is loosely based on Marilyn Monroe, was voted the winning idea."

(Image: Friends of the Elderly)

Once her torso, head, and facial features were complete, the care team dressed Marilyn in a pink and grey flowery dress, a pink cardigan, elegant sandals, and a pearl bracelet.

Daniel Sabau, the registered manager at New Copford Place, noted: "We all thought Marilyn looked great.

"The judges agreed as she scooped two prizes – first place in the People's Choice Scarecrow Award, and joint second place in the Business Scarecrow Award category.

"We are so pleased that Marilyn did so well, she even celebrated her success with a glass of wine.

"She was definitely ‘outstanding in her field.’"

Scarecrows have been part of farming heritage for many years, used to scare away birds which might otherwise eat seeds or damage young crops.

Ms Leather added: "In Europe, scarecrows have been linked to the supernatural boogeyman, a monster who is often depicted in tattered clothing.

"However, Marilyn was far from scary, she was very relaxed and enjoyed being the centre of attention for the day.

"The residents were very proud of Marilyn and have already said they’d like to create another scarecrow for next year’s festival.

"Next year will be the 16th year of the Copford and Easthorpe Scarecrow Festival."