Phil’s a scarecrow champ

Phil's a scarecrow winner

Genial hotelier Phil Whitehead has rung the bell again to scoop up a top award in a village’s scarecrow festival.

Phil, who owns The Old Bell at Delph, collected the top prize for the 12th time in the event organised by Delph Community Association.

Thirteen years ago, when the festival launched, Phil’s creative team shared the first prize and their imaginative efforts have gone on to win the top accolade every year since.

This year's theme returning to the festival’s first choice of Children's Favourite Books and Phil’s impressive interpretation of The Cat In The Hat claimed the glory. 

The twenty-five Scarecrows were placed in homes, gardens and businesses across the village and saw a boost in trade.

Sue Lund, from Delph Community Association who presented Phil with his trophy, said: “£650 has been raised this year which was a good result considering the awful weather we had during the duration of the trail.

“This money goes towards Community Projects such as the upkeep of the Chapel Gardens organised by the Delph Community Association.”

And she thanked locals who sold the Trail Guides especially Delph Post Office and Delph Co-op. The sponsors of the trail booklet- Cunbar Paints, Redmonds Solicitors, Swan Meadow Nurseries, The Bank, Delph, The White Lion. 

And to all those who donated prizes- The Old Bell Inn Restaurant, Millgate Hair Studios and Millgate Arts Centre.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.