Chesterfield street’s key workers scarecrow competition

The competition was started by the Neighbourhood Watch group on Matlock Road, in Walton, and has already doubled the original target of £500.

Effigies of binmen, farmers, NHS staff, scientists and carers have been placed along the road before the competition is judged on Saturday.

All entrants were asked to make a minimum donation of £10 per household and additional funds have been raised through a Just Giving page.

Catherine Allen, a member of the Neighbourhood Watch, said: "We wanted to highlight the importance of all key workers in our current environment and the Chesterfield Royal Charity seemed like the perfect place to receive our fundraising efforts.

"We are all very thankful to everyone working to ensure our safety, health and well-being at the moment. Thank you to all key workers."

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust described it as "a fantastic idea and what a lovely thought to raise money for the campaign."

“Our #ProtectYourNHS campaign is about protecting hardworking staff and vulnerable patients through raising money to provide essential care packages, mental health and wellbeing support for all staff,” the spokesperson said.

“We’d like to thank everyone on Matlock Road, and all of those who have donated as part of the competition, for their efforts and creativity and best of luck to all of those who have taken part. You’re all winners!”