Olympic-themed post box toppers mark start of games

Different sports have been depicted as part of the 'Yarnlympics' project

A group of knitters has created 37 Olympic-themed post box toppers to mark the start of the 2024 games.

The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters has come up with 26 'Yarnlympics' toppers for the town and further 11 for nearby Ware.

Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and famous Olympians and Paralympians have inspired the woollen decorations which locals can find on post boxes with a map provided from the town's tourist information centre.

The group has encouraged participants to donate to its chosen local charity which this year is the Hertfordshire Breast Unit Appeal.

Knitters have been working on the toppers since January

The games get under way on Friday

Spokesperson Melanie Delaney said: "Our members are very creative people... given a topic and a few themes you'll be amazed what people come up with in woolen form"

"It gives us a chance to celebrate our athletes and para athletes in our town."

The yarn creations reflect a range of sports including tennis, synchronized swimming, boxing, skateboarding, wheelchair basketball and hockey.

The creations are designed to be "a nice surprise" for those who stumble upon them

One of the clay courts of Rolland-Garros has been recreated

Knitters in the group use wool and materials donated by people in the community.

Ms Delaney, who since January has put more than 50 hours into her Yarnlympics creations, said they lift people's spirits.

She added: "It brings joy to Hertford and Ware.

"It's a nice surprise, something new and wonderful to look at and a celebration of our towns."