PORLOCK was awash with versions of a festive legend at the village's first Santa Festival.

The event, along the lines of a scarecrow contest, was Porlock's answer to a Christmas illuminations extravaganza.

But instead of strings of twinkling lights, the village was festooned with Santas.

Organisers had hoped for around 20 entries but ended up with more than 30 Santas vying for the top place.

"We had life-sized Santas up trees, waiting for a bus and riding a motorbike," said Simon Pratt, one of the organisers.

"There were handmade felt Santas and gingerbread men and one even had his own chip shop."

The winning entry was created by St Dubricius' First School's after school club, the Hedgehog Club.

Youngsters took on the origin of Santa Claus and built a Saint Nicholas wearing a red cloak and carrying a shepherd's crook and lantern.

"The judges described it as very, very good but scary," said Simon.

"It now stands to greet or scare visitors to St Dubricius' Church."

The winner of the public vote, which the judges also rated highly, awarding it second place, was the entry from the village's post office.

Lost in the Post featured a Santa head-first inside a mailbag, described by the judges as simple but creative and funny.

Other winning designs included Santa and Friends by Tamra Bruce and Grampy and Santa's Wishing Well by The Cottage B and B.

The competition was the highlight of a weekend of Christmas celebrations which included musical entertainment, late night shopping and a visit from another Santa on Minehead and the Quantocks Rotary Club's sleigh.

Weather permitting, the Santas will be on display throughout December and visitors to the village will have the chance to search them out.

"We were hugely encouraged by the response to this new event," said Simon.

"Santas just kept on springing up and without prompting someone made a trail of stars to follow through the village.

"Clearly a lot of effort had been expended in making the Santas.

"Porlock might not have a fancy LED lights display but it has creativity and community in bucket-loads."

The festive celebrations continue in the village with a Christingle service in the church at 5pm on Sunday (December 8), the traditional late-night shopping event on December 14 and a fancy dress fun run for schoolchildren on December 16.

Pictured is the winning entry - the Hedgehog Club's 'scary' Santa

Photo: Contributed