Art project scarecrows win prize

The scarecrows were clothed with donations from charity shops

An arts project featuring scarecrow-like figures has won a top prize.

More than 640 clothed figures made from straw, wood and dirt appeared at three sites in Shorne, Chatham, and on the Isle of Sheppey in the summer of 2007.

Some of the Hei People, by Finnish artist Reijo Kela, were later adopted by residents and schools in Kent.

At the Rouse Kent Public Art Awards, the artist won £7,000, while the North Kent Local Authorities Arts Partnership received £5,000 for commissioning it.

'Feeling of fun'

The award was presented by the chairman of the judging panel, writer and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, at a ceremony at the Kings Hill Golf Club, in West Malling, on Thursday.

Ms Street-Porter said: "The judges were impressed by the way the work engaged the public both in a rural and urban context and combined a sense of magic and mystery with a feeling of fun."

The Hei People caused quite a stir when they were erected, under the cover of darkness, two years ago.

Some of the exhibition was vandalised with several figures destroyed, leading to some scarecrows wearing black armbands as a tribute to "perished comrades".

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