VIDEO Suffolk enjoyed an eclectic weekend of events from tug-of-war challenges to scarecrow festivals as the weather remained largely pleasant.

SUFFOLK enjoyed an eclectic weekend of events from tug-of-war challenges to scarecrow festivals as the weather remained largely pleasant.

At Suffolk Food Hall, nine teams of burly blokes heaved with all their might for prostate cancer.

Jane Eaton, of Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead, said: “We've been here a year and we wanted to celebrate and hold a charity event.

“We did something for Mother's Day and decided to do something for the dads as well.

“Prostate cancer kills around 10,000 men every year but only about a tenth of them know they have it. We want to raise awareness as well as money, of which we're hoping to raise about £700.”

The tug-of-war was supported by Bidwells, while Aspall Cider provided the right encouragement for competitors by supplying the prize for the winning team.

Elsewhere, in Coddenham you'd be hard pushed to find a single bird as villagers entered the second annual scarecrow festival in aid of the local church and playground.

There were no less than 28 scarecrows dotted around the village including a native American complete with totem pole, Little Red Riding Hood and a fairy that eventually scooped the winning prize of a painted presentation plate.

Actor Roy Hudd was on hand to judge the display and enjoyed his stroll around the village and open gardens.

Organiser, Tree Coupe, said: “Roy spent two hours walking around and had a great time chatting with everyone.

“There was a real family atmosphere and all the children got involved in creating the scarecrows.”

Shotley was transformed into the Great American Plains for the weekend.

Authenticity was key at the Native American Indian Powwow with genuine outfits and tipis on show and traders selling crafts.

Profits from the powwow were shared between the NSPCC and the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Unit of the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma.

Bob and Anoli Wood, of Shotley Gate, hosted the event. Mr Wood is British-born but has been adopted into the Choctaw Tribe. Mrs Wood is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and her grandfather was of full blood.