Christmas-themed postbox toppers have been popping up in two villages thanks to some creative knitters.

The WI Yarn Bombers have been creating festive scenes, made from around 200g of wool each, for the past two years as a way to spread cheer in their community in Istead Rise, near Gravesend.

Knitter Christine Hogg, 68, who lives on the Rise said: "Last year, because it was lockdown, it gave us something to do. It is a lot of hard work."

Joined by her friends Linda Gisby, Rosemarie Green, Brenda Clark and Jan Vickery, they have decorated three postboxes. Usually they have four but a "mystery knitter" has beaten them to one this year - and they are keen to find out who it is so they can join their group.

Although the response has been mostly positive, Christine did hear of someone who must have been having a bad day as they told them the knitted items were vandalism and they would burn them.

Luckily, the creative work remains untouched and can be found opposite the Co-op, in Lewis Road and Biddenden Road, with the mystery contributor's at the top of the Rise near Wrotham Road.

Cllr Dakota Dibben, who represents Istead Rise on Gravesham council, said of the yarn bombers: "The group do it every year and I always like to go around and see them. They are lovely."

Other groups in the area are joining in the festivities too. The Istead Park Project are running a Christmas fair on Sunday, December 19 where there will be craft stalls and a pre-bookable Santa's grotto and are running a 12 days of Christmas trail throughout the month.

Although not by the same group, another knitted topper has been seen in New Ash Green which has brightened up the village and shared a bit of Christmas spirit.

Snowflakes have also been hidden around the village for the children to find and tie onto strings around the postbox.