IT MIGHT not be on a par with the terror of Hitchcock’s The Birds, but the pesky pecking of our feathered friends inspired Blackbird Leys residents into a new fundraising effort.

Worshippers at the Church of the Holy Family in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys have organised the estate’s first scarecrow competition to repair its roof after it was pecked away by crows.

A £1 booklet that went on sale at the weekend includes a map of Sunday’s Leys Scarecrow Trail, and information on how to vote for your favourite.

Cash raised through the booklets and proceeds from the day will go towards the church.

Scarecrows created so far include television character Doctor Who, policemen, pirates and children in prams.

The scarecrows will all be put out around the estate on Sunday, with a prize giving ceremony at the church at 4pm conducted by Oxford East MP Andrew Smith.

Winners will receive £75 and runner-ups £50 each.

Megan Wilson, 17, from the Bullnose Morris pub started making her scarecrow – a car mechanic, to tie in with the pub’s name – with other staff members on Thursday.

She said she was delighted to support the church.

She said: “It’s a nice idea for everyone to get involved. Everyone has done really well.

“I was jealous of some of the ones people have been making.”

Organiser Russell Price, from the Church of the Holy Family, said: “Fifty different organisations and individuals have taken part and created almost 70 scarecrows.

“Some of them are wonderful and very creative. People are having a lot of fun getting to know other people.”

Mr Price said: “One cul-de-sac on the route has created nine scarecrows, which are all marked on the map, so that’ll be great to see.

“And we’ve got lots of different designs on show.”

The booklet is now available in schools, pubs and the leisure centre on the estate. For more information, visit holyfamily bbl.co.uk, or call 01865 714163.