Saltburn Pier's mystery knitted figures are removed

Knitted figures first appeared on Saltburn Pier in October 2011

Wool figures mysteriously tied to on a pier on Teesside have been removed leaving hopes they will be replaced.

The 60 figures on Saltburn Pier, with Olympic and Diamond Jubilee themes, have sustained wind, rain, sun and some vandalism since March.

Although there are rumours, no-one has officially admitting to being the mystery knitter.

Saltburn councillor, Philip Thomson, said he hoped they intended to replace their creations.

"I hope this demonstration of local talent will be refurbished and returned to public view in time for the Olympics in July," he said.

Cliff lift engineer Paul Wakeford said the figures had disappeared overnight earlier in the week.

"Visitors have said how much they will miss them," he said.

"Many come especially to see them both on the pier and at the top of the lift."

Mr Wakeford said council statistics showed the number of people using the lift between early April and mid June had increased from 33,000 in 2011 to 42,000 during same period this year.

He believes the increase is because of the knitted figures, which have made local and national headlines and been mentioned on social media networks and on a travel advice website