UPSET residents said their handmade scarecrow festival is being targeted by "despicable" vandals. 

The Fernhill Heath Scarecrow Trail returned for its seventh year this October half term but some of its show stoppers have been vandalised during the festivities. 

Two scarecrow scenes have already been vandalised since the trial began on Sunday (October 27). 

One scarecrow had its pumpkin head ripped off and stolen while another decorative scene had its washing products and an iron removed. 

Meg Farmer, festival organiser and chair of Fernhill Heath Parish Council, said: "It is just despicable.

The village has spent weeks planning its scarecrow designs. (Image: Newsquest) "It makes you think what the matter is wrong with some people as the village has put their heart and soul into the festival.

"Why would people want to spoil it?

"Please know that we appreciate every scarecrow that has taken part this year, and I am so sorry this has happened.

"I hope this is the end of it - but leading up to Halloween, there is a worry.

"There is no trick or treat - it is just theft."

Cllr Farmer said she hopes this does not affect the rest of the trail and has still encouraged families to come into the village and have a lovely day out.

Some villagers had spent weeks working on their scarecrows for the festival.

ALL ABOARD: Paddington Scare is another one of the village's designs. 

One scene, an interactive fairground ride with six scarecrows, took residents a year to make.

Fernhill Heath Scarecrow Trail has been running in the village since 2017 and has become immensely popular with locals and visitors alike.

Some of the scarecrows even hold significant meanings, such as the soldier outside the Fernhill Heath War Memorial Club on Droitwich Road.

A map showing the trail's route across the village is available at the Costcutter on Droitwich Road and at the Dilmore Store on Dilmore Avenue.

A pop-up café has also opened on Westfield Road for thirsty trail followers to stop and grab a drink or a snack.

The event is one of the biggest in the village's calendar bringing thousands of people in.

The scarecrow trail will run from Sunday, November 3.