Knitters make life-size woollen Queen and corgi ahead of Jubilee celebrations in Holmes Head
A life-size woollen Queen and corgi knitted by a group of yarn bombers for the Platinum Jubilee is proving a hit with locals.
The knitted monarch and her trusted pooch were installed in Holmes Chapel, with visitors already stopping to pose for pictures with Her Majesty ahead of the celebrations.
The Holmes Chapel Community Yarn Bombers began working on decorations for the Queen’s Jubilee last July.
The figure is accessorised with a knitted handbag, sash and crown, and the area has been decorated with knitted bunting, chains, soldiers and post box toppers.
Anita Armitt, 66, who set up the group with a friend, said 41 people aged between 10 and 80, came together for the creations.
She said: “It has been wonderful. It’s a group of people that actually didn’t know each other before and some still haven’t met but we speak to each other on Facebook.
“We welcome anybody who wants to have a go and everything that has been made has been utilised.”
The mannequin used to create the Queen was stored in Mrs Armitt’s house for almost a year before she was unveiled in the village.
She said: “She has been in my dining room in various stages of dress.
“The first night she was out I felt like I had to go down and say goodnight to her because I’d got into the routine of doing it!”
The project started off with knitters making six-inch squares of red, white and blue wool which have been used to create the Queen’s dress, cape and red carpet.
Mrs Armitt said a cage was created around the mannequin to support the weight of the dress and she is hoping it will be sturdy enough to withstand the weather.
Red, white and blue bollard covers, created by Holmes Chapel U3A, have also been added to brighten up the area.
Word of the village decorations is already spreading and visitors have been coming from further afield to have a look.
Mrs Armitt said: “One couple told me they’d stopped off for a coffee while they were here, so it’s great for local business too.”
She is now collecting photos people have taken with the Queen to go into an album.
The decorations will be in place as the village celebrates with a beacon lighting on Thursday night and a big picnic on Sunday.
In this week's Royal Rota - Royal Editor Chris Shop and Producer Lizzie Robinson discuss the Queen's equestrian extravaganza and what to expect from Jubilee week.