A chart-topping musician was the judge at a north Norfolk village scarecrow competition today.

The Trunch Open Gardens and Scarecrow Day, which raised more than £2,500 for village causes, attracted hundreds of people.

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree, who has an interest in Norfolk, was the judge for the best scarecrow contest which this year featured 35 entries.

From a scuba diving figure and high jumping athlete to a rock and roll guitar player and a Minion from the popular cartoon film Despicable Me, there was plenty for families to see.

Jenny Owen, who is on the Open Gardens and Scarecrow Committee, said: 'Trunch is a lovely community and the festival creates a buzz. Everybody gets involved. It is a great day and everyone loves it.'

Mrs Owen, 51, owner of Trunch Corner Stores, said the event had grown since it started eight years ago.

In its first year there were just a few gardens and scarecrows on display.

But over the years it has evolved and this year attractions included a classic vehicle display, dog show, an amateur radio display and metal detecting.

Money raised goes into the Trunch Village Society which gives money for village projects and worthy causes.

'Everybody in the village benefits from the festival,' Mrs Owen added.

Last year the scarecrow and garden event raised £3,500.

Ashley Hale, 52, from Knapton Road, Trunch, who enjoyed the festival with his wife and two daughters, said: 'I think it is brilliant. It brings the village together. It is nice to be able to go into other people's houses and have a chat. It helps build community spirit.'

Nikki Beeson, from North Walsham who was helping out in Trunch Corner Stores, said: 'It doesn't matter if it rains or shines, everybody comes out and everybody enjoys it.'

Jean Jackman, 59, who lives in Trunch, said the festival created a sense of belonging for people in the village.

As well as Trunch residents and people from surrounding north Norfolk villages, festival visitors came from across Norfolk and as far as Lowestoft in Suffolk.

Have you organised a village community event in north Norfolk? Email sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk