Bernie le Boule, the French farmer, is the latest attraction in the Thorner scarecrow trail – complete with a vintage cycle, beret and a basket of onions.

But he was robbed of both his bike and his string of onions on Monday evening by an opportunistic thief.

Fortunately for Bernie though, the thief didn’t get too far and the bike was later discovered abandoned under the railway bridge near Saw Woods along with the onions.

Bernie was reunited with his goods, but not before the local community police were informed and a village-wide manhunt had been launched.

David Fryer of the Boule Petanque Club rallied up the troops by email on behalf of the bike’s owner, Jayne Rignall, and was delighted at the response of the community which led to its safe return.

Mr Fryer said the scarecrow may need some time off to recover, but he is hopeful Bernie may make an appearance in time for tomorrow’s judging of the annual scarecrow trail at Thorner Gala.

He said: “The poor fellow is quite traumatised by his ordeal and is on convalescent leave but he’ll be back!”

Bernie will be up against some stiff competition from many more Thorner residents who have lined the streets with creations of their own, including Derek Smith and his son’s version of cartoon character Homer Simpson, who is still waiting for his bus in the High Street.

l See Thorner area news, page 4.