Residents at a Shefford home have been busy showcasing their artistic talent as they produced scarecrows as part of a festival and in-house competition.

The residents and staff at MHA Oak Manor, which provides residential and dementia care for 64 residents, have been creating scarecrows as part of the Shefford Community Festival Programme.

The theme for the scarecrows was peace, and the home decided to make their own competition by having each unit make their own scarecrow.

Scarecrow made by MHA Oak Manor residentsScarecrow made by MHA Oak Manor residents (Image: MHA Oak Manor) Pat Heseltine, administrative support assistant, said: “Residents, staff and family members were given a free rein to see what they could come up with.

“It was great to see the different approach the teams took and how creative they were.

“We got to see teamwork, creativity and the competitive spirit of the residents.

Scarecrow made by MHA Oak Manor residentsScarecrow made by MHA Oak Manor residents (Image: MHA Oak Manor) “In light of the festival programme, we had our own competition, which was judged by home manager Cecilia, Lydia, the activities coordinator, and Vi, one of our residents and the ambassador for the residents at MHA Oak Manor.

“The competition worked really well, and all three scarecrows were very impressive.

“The winners will receive a free takeaway as their prize and I am sure they will enjoy it.”

The winner was a hippy-inspired scarecrow, made by the Willow unit.

Scarecrow made by MHA Oak Manor residentsScarecrow made by MHA Oak Manor residents (Image: MHA Oak Manor)