MOTORISTS passing by West Hagbourne’s village pond were surprised to find the ducks had been replaced by a dragon.

Residents have built dragons of all colours and shapes, which have appeared across the village near Didcot, for St George’s Day today.

But, organiser Peter Mitchell, chairman of the village association, said the display had an underlying message.

He said it represented West Hagbourne’s opposition to hundreds of new homes built in the parish under plans to expand Didcot.

He explained: “St George represents the villagers and the dragons represent the enemy, bureaucracy and the planners. It shows we are fighting our corner.

“It’s about saying we love our village but we want to keep it separate from Didcot. It’s a bit of fun, but it’s also got an underlying message, and it’s patriotic as well.”

“The dragon in the duck pond has had a remarkable effect.

“There have been a large number of people slowing down and turning round and coming back to view it.

“I’ve counted about 10 dragons, they’re made of just about everything, people have been very industrious.”

William Collings, landlord of the George and Dragon pub in Upton, will pick the winning dragon on Saturday.

The winner will receive a voucher to eat at the pub in Reading Road.