POSTMAN Peter Campbell came face to face with himself this week.
The 63-year-old, from Darlington, who is about to retire after delivering the post in Staindrop for 25 years, suddenly came up against his own scarecrow image. It was made by Liz Cronin, of Cronin’s News, helped by her 14-year-old daughter, Abigail, and will be entered in the carnival scarecrow competition next weekend.
“I always do a scarecrow, so I thought this year I would tie it in with Peter’s retirement,” said Mrs Cronin. “He is very popular in the village, and while everybody is happy for him, at the same time they are devastated he is retiring.
“He always went beyond the call of duty. He knows everyone in the village and would always do anything to help.”
Mr Campbell, who will help judge the talent contest on Wednesday, said: “It was a big surprise when I saw the scarecrow. I actually think it looks quite like me.”
“Everyone has been unbelievable here. They are such nice people. I have seen children grow up and have their own children and I have a lot of friends here.”
The carnival starts on Saturday, July 11, with a procession at 1pm followed by entertainment, rides and stalls on the green.