FAMILIES who went along to Walwayne Court Primary’s illuminated scarecrow trail were in for a spooktacular treat over the weekend.

The school’s PTA organised the first-time trail on October 22-23 with over £700 being raised from the event which will be put towards various projects at the primary including adding to their new play equipment.

Amanda Wiffen, 41, who spearheaded the organisation, said she was over the moon by how many people supported the event.

“I wanted to do something that was safe for the kids and I go to quite a few festivals every year so I thought why not make the trail illuminated by holding it at night as the children like being outdoors in the dark and it was a great atmosphere having all the parents enjoying themselves as well.

“Rather than make it all spooky, I wanted to make it more of a magical experience which is why we had lots of lights which were lent to us by a dad of the school, Ben Ousby who works for Powerline and he is now setting up to light up Westonbirt.”

A total of 26 scarecrows illuminated the green space by Walwayne Court in Brook Road with scores of children and adults solving the quotes from children’s books and films to name them.

Travis Perkins lent the PTA two generators on the night while Tesco Express donations food and drinks to sell.

Mrs Wiffen, whose two children Jago, seven and Isla, eight attend Walwayne Court, said because of the unprecedented success, they hope to run the same event next year.

She added: “As well as children from the school, we have the general public donating money which was great and the welcome scarecrow got a lot of interest from people walking past with many getting selfies with it.

“We had so many lovely comments from the dog walkers who saw us setting up and packing away and all asked if we will be doing it again next year which we definitely will be.”