SWASHBUCKLING pirates swapped the high seas for a Barrow primary school.

Captain Jack Sparrow and friends took over Brisbane Park Infant School today for the annual scarecrow festival.

Pirates were the theme of this year's contest as the Blake Street school is transforming a playground into a boat inspired space.

There were more than 40 scarecrow entries of all shapes and sizes. Families visited the school hall to view the exhibits and vote for their favourites.

Pupils, staff and parents donated a tin of food in order to visit the festival and vote. This year Barrow and Districts Society for the Blind benefited from the collection of food.

Joan Milburn from the charity visited the festival to congratulate the children.

The winners are due to be announced in assembly tomorrow. The prizes will include vouchers for Onside Sport for the children to use on sports courses.

Cheryl Hagen, a teacher at Brisbane Park and the school's arts co-ordinator, said: "The pirate scarecrows are amazing. There are cute pirates and some scary pirates."

Miss Hagen thanked all the parents who helped the children make the scarecrows and then went along to support the event.