LOCKDOWN has inspired a wave of creativity in Melsonby, near Richmond.

The Sports Day Committee organised a scarecrow competition and there was an outstanding response of 115 entries.

On VE Day, Melsonby’s own answer to Vera Lynn, Tanya Henderson, accompanied by husband Shaun, delighted a suitably distanced number of villagers on the village green, amplified so most could hear her beautiful singing “We’ll meet again”.

Many people joined their scarecrows in their front gardens to “share” a picnic tea with neighbours, accompanied by a peal of bells provided by Mike Carr from the church.

The BBC weather app had forecast a shower at 4pm which punctually appeared as a sharp downpour for a few minutes, but fortunately it disappeared as quickly as it came and did not spoil the festivities.

A good time was had by all.