An unusual event in Kirk Michael not only raised more than £500, but also the eyebrows of the Treasury Minister.

A Tynwald Tea Party took place in Ebeneezer Hall with a prizegiving ceremony for the recent inaugural ’Great Village Scarecrow Hunt’, which gained special support from Treasury Minister Alf Cannan.

The Ayre and Michael MHK got to shake hands with his scarecrow lookalike as well as present prizes and rounded up the event with a closing speech.

The scarecrow trail saw a number of creative entries including one in tribute to nurses working during the coronavirus pandemic, a loaghtan sheep and more.

Winning the adult category was Darren and Lisa Lilley with their Mickey Mouse entry, Harry James won the 10-16 category with his Guy Martin scarecrow and Alfie Heward won the under-10s with his Conor Cummins exhibit.

Members of the public were invited to join in the search using a trail map. A special prize was given to the scarecrow hunter who discovered and correctly named the most exhibits.

The idea of the event was to bring people together, especially following tough times, with funds being raised towards the local Michael Endowment Fund.