A scarecrow in the front garden of a Farnsfield home has helped raise money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

Since the start of May, the Lockdown Scarecrow has taken pride of place at the Locker family home in the village.

Each week it dons a different outfit, spreading some cheer as people make donations to the charity.

The Lockdown Scarecrow has been a nurse, a postman, a pirate and a shop worker among its many guises.

“We started it because of Sir Captain Tom Moore and his incredible achievement,” said Kim Locker. “Our first scarecrow was a tribute to him and then we continued with a different person each week.

“As well as raising money, it has made people smile. Several people have stopped on their way past and commented on it to us.

“We wanted to raise people’s spirits and give children something to look out for when they were out walking.

“We have had a couple of donations posted through the door, in addition to the money raised online. I am surprised with how much has been raised (more than £300).

“We were also given £100 from Farnsfield Community Spaces. And as an employee of Barratt Homes, they will match-fund what I have raised.”

Rainbows cares for more than 450 children and young people with life-limiting illnesses and their families, including those from Nottinghamshire.

Rainbows community fundraiser Gary Farnfield added: “The different images the scarecrow has had have been fantastic and we have loved seeing them. Raising money for us in times that are difficult for everyone is greatly appreciated.

“The Locker family’s efforts come at a time when we have a fundraising appeal to help recoup some of the £1m we are set to lose due to Covid-19. On behalf of everyone at Rainbows, thank you to the family and all those who have supported them.”

To support Kim, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kim-Locker1