An inspired schoolgirl ensured her street marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day in its own unique way - with colourful scarecrows outside every house.

The weird and wonderful homemade creations are on display in West Hythe after 11-year-old Olivia Hill dropped a note through neighbours' doors suggesting the idea.

The response from residents has been so impressive that some hope it may even become an annual event to mark the coronavirus lockdown.

The Lympne Primary School pupil's message said: "Due to Covid-19, a lot of us are stuck indoors.

"Some of us from West Hythe Road thought it would be a nice idea to make some scarecrows and put them outside our houses for some entertainment.

"If you are going to take part, make your scarecrows ready for May 8."

Olivia and her younger brother Matthew, eight, came up with the idea after chatting to their next door neighbours.

Mum Nicola said: "The purpose was to give people an activity that they could do as a family and offer some community spirit when they were on display.

"It has been amazing and I think everyone is pleased to see the scarecrows.

"We would love to make it a yearly May Bank Holiday activity now, which would mark the Covid-19 lockdown."

This afternoon at 3pm almost every resident was out in their front garden with their scarecrows, enjoying a drink and a scone and chatting to neighbours across the road.

Some even blasted out Rule Britannia as they toasted 75 years since victory was declared over Germany in the Second World War.

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With more than 20 scarecrows on display, one resident, Steve Ridgway, said: "It is remarkable how the whole community has joined in.

"There are scarecrows all along the road.

"The colour, humour, originality and ingenuity of the entire display has certainly raised everyone's spirits in these difficult times."

For more pictures showing how Kent is celebrating VE Day, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe