The second novel finds Worzel married to Earthy Mangold, and taking on the roles of schoolteacher, handyman and policeman, with chaotic results.

In his third volume of riotous adventures, our turnip-headed hero gets stuck in a chimney, rides a horse and becomes the star attraction at a circus.

The scarecrows Worzel Gummidge, Earthy Mangold and Hannah Harrow are creating havoc in May: among other disasters, a swarm of bees invades Mrs Bloomsbury-Barton’s living room.

Worzel and Earthy Mangold join John and Susan at the seaside, where Earthy is swept out to sea and Worzel finds a kindred spirit in a ship’s figurehead called Saucy Nancy.