YOUNG people from around Dumbarton and the Vale used their creative brains to capture the hearts of visitors to Ardardan’s annual scarecrow festival at the weekend.

The event, which was held over two days - Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, brought out the best inspirational designs with some delightful, funny and downright terrifying scarecrows on display.

Highlights included superhero-themed creations featuring Batman and Spider-Man, as schools, charities and local groups got in on the action, while there were also tractor rides to complete a fun-filled offering at the farm and gardens in Cardross.

As the Reporter went to press, organisers were keeping entrants on tenterhooks regarding the winning design.

A post on Ardardan’s Facebook page said: “What a brilliant weekend we’ve had hosting this year’s scarecrow festival. We loved seeing such brilliant creativity from so many schools, groups, teams, families and friends.

“Thank you all who took part and everyone who came along over the weekend. There have been a record number of votes, the competition was tough.

“We’ll get votes counted and reveal the winner as soon as we can, so keep an eye out.”