Yarn bombers have a ball with Cinderella display

Cinderella really did go to the ball in Hertford

A group of 150 yarn bombers said its latest creation was its most "magical, breathtaking and magnificent" display yet.

The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters has unveiled its latest work, based on the Cinderella fairy tale, in the middle of town.

Over months the group created Prince Charming's castle complete with 2,000 knitted bricks, a drawbridge, towers, 22 individually completed scenes, 42 dancers and two "scoundrels" named Liam and Noel.

Melanie Delaney, one of its members, said the group had "never done anything like this before", and it was about bringing joy to the community and raising funds for the Hertfordshire Breast Unit Appeal.

Ms Delaney said since 2017 the group had created a number of displays, including Olympic, Remembrance and Coronation scenes, with every one getting "bigger and better every time".

She said over the past week the group had been "teasing" the town, with a number of clues placed when the town's tree was erected on 13 November.

"We've placed bells out of recycled bottles, clocks, mice crawling up the tree and invitations."

Members of the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters were on hand to place "clues" around the town

Ms Delaney said the main display appeared on Wednesday and showed an "entire castle ballroom scene surrounding the tree, with dancers at the ball".

The theme was chosen to mark the pantomime Cinderella being performed at the town's newly reopened BEAM theatre.

"It's a site to behold - we've knitted 2,000 bricks, complete with 22 vignettes, with 42 dancers, all individually made, with one couple celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.

"It's the biggest ballroom scene. We've never done anything like this.

"People love seeing our creations. It brings joys and raises community spirit and funds.

"This display is the most magical and magnificent one we've done so far, it's breathtaking."