VILLAGERS have taken an inventive approach to 'scare' people into driving responsibly and stop speeding past their homes.

Drivers making their way through Somerton, near Bicester, will notice a peculiar site including babies on horseback, a commuter on skis and a policemen mooning – albeit in scarecrow form.

The latest bid to stop speedy drivers storming through the village has coincided with a scarecrow competition themed on speed awareness.

Residents have created their very own speed-themed displays and proudly propped more than 20 up throughout the village.

Somerton Parish Council chairwoman, Alison Smith, said: "We are looking at alternative ways to increase awareness to drivers passing through our village and surrounding roads and at the same time have a little fun.

"It is hoped that the scarecrows will cause a little 'edge friction' and encourage a slower speed through the village.

"Over recent years we have seen the volume of traffic increase and with that more speeding vehicles.

"The M40, Soho Farmhouse and Dorchester Living development at Upper Heyford have all contributed to the increases."

The scarecrow competition will run for the next two weeks and also includes the BFG and Donald Trump waiting at a bus stop.

The winners will be rewarded with a fish and chip supper donated by Pollocks Event Catering mobile business based in the village.

Villagers have said it is the first in a long-line of alternative plans they hope to pull together to stop speeding in the village.