A gang of life-size scarecrows have sprung up in east Kent, leaving onlookers mystified.

Adorned skilfully in various outfits, the 15-or-so characters can be seen reclining with a tipple in the garden or standing guard by flower beds, bearing down wild-eyed on passers-by.

The stuffed dolls took over West Hythe during the past week as residents receded indoors from inclement weather.

Jodie Foster, 46, a dog-walker from New Romney, said she was puzzled when driving through West Hythe Road.

"I go that way to walk my dog along the bridleway very regularly, more so than usual with the pandemic," she said.

"So I've got used to seeing all of those houses almost daily, like for many others it felt like Groundhog Day after a while.

"You could imagine what a surprise it was to see that all of these colourful scarecrows had suddenly appeared.

"It really cheered me up and they're great quality."

Some characters peep out from gardens, while others stand proudly, poised next to the pathway.

Mystery surrounds the road's latest additions, with speculation stirring on social media sites.

"Can someone enlighten me, having come through West Hythe, why there are dummies in the front gardens?" Stephen Cassidy posted on Facebook's The Real Marsh Watch page.

Some users speculated it could be related to Romney Marsh's Dr Syn festival held in the summer.

Others believed it could be down to a competition among neighbours.

"They look great," Di Gosby added.

But the cheery scenes were most likely inspired by the efforts of a schoolgirl who encouraged her neighbours to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day last year with colourful scarecrows outside every house.

Then 11-year-old Olivia Hill dropped a note through doors on her street, suggesting the idea.

The response from residents was so impressive, some told KentOnline they hoped it could even become an annual event to mark the coronavirus lockdown.

The Lympne Primary School pupil's message said at the time: "Due to Covid-19, a lot of us are stuck indoors.

"Some of us from West Hythe Road thought it would be a nice idea to make some scarecrows and put them outside our houses for some entertainment."

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