A TROLL-Y jolly Christmas is on the cards in Dunchurch as the village got dressed up for the festive season to continue a decades-long tradition.
Mischievous pranksters have dressed up the village’s statue of Lord John Douglas Montagu Scott as Poppy, the principal character from the recent film Trolls 3.
Their choice of character thwarted predictions on social media, where the smart money was on either Barbie or a character from the recent Wonka film.
A spokesperson for the Dunchurch Festival Group said: “It must officially be Christmas as, true to form, the Dunchurch elves have been at it again and decorated the statue of Lord Scott that stands in the centre of Dunchurch.
“Many in the village think it is a ‘trolly’ good one this year, with all looking forward with anticipation of what and when it will be.
“There is speculation of who dresses the statue but it must be one of Britain’s best kept secrets – and long may it continue.”
Anonymous tricksters have given the statue a festive fancy dress costume every December for over 40 years.
In recent years, Lord Scott has appeared as Pinocchio, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Peppa Pig, snowman Olaf from the Frozen films, the Grinch, an Olympian, The Queen, Spider-Man, a Star Wars stormtrooper, a Minion, Paddington, a Smurf, and Postman Pat.
The tradition captures the imagination of local residents and global web users alike, with many taking pictures and selfies at the statue, and has been featured in a news report on the BBC.
Lord Scott was a prominent 19th century Guards Officer and MP who lived in Dunchurch and owned land around the area. He died in 1860 aged 50.
