FAMILIES joyfully hunted for Alice and Wonderland themed scarecrows in South Cerney at the weekend.

To celebrate 150 years since Lewis Carroll’s book was first published, residents armed with maps took part in a scarecrow trail on Saturday and Sunday where they hunted for 26 bird scaring objects made by residents and groups in the village including Ann Edwards School.

And when it was all over on Saturday, scarecrow hunters were able to relax with a cup of tea and play a game of croquet at a Mad Hatters tea party held at Atkyns Manor in the village, which was also themed around Alice in Wonderland.

Joan Townsend, one of the organisers said the events proved to be a big hit with villagers.

“It was fantastic - absolutely brilliant. We had families wonder around the village together,” she said.

“It brought all the community together, I had at least two people say I do love living in South Cerney because everybody is working together.”She explained she thought about 100 maps were given out for those taking part in the trail.

“It was unbelievable, on Saturday we put 40 maps in the post office and by 10.45am, (forty five minutes after the trail started) they were sold out so we had to print more maps.”

“The tea party was just wonderful. People sat and relaxed drawing or playing croquet. They relaxed together, drank tea and ate cake. It was lovely.”