FUNDRAISERS are marking the Queen’s 90th birthday with a 'hen party' with a difference.

Every year, volunteers supporting the Carers’ Resource charity in Ripon, North Yorkshire, knit woolly Easter chick covers for Cadbury Crème Eggs.

They are sold across the county for a £1.50 donation to help supporting people caring for a loved one.

This year the creations will include limited edition chicks in the Union Jack red, white and blue to commemorate Her Majesty’s birthday.

"We choose a different theme each Easter to add a different and eye-catching dimension to the chicks," said Anne Wells, from the Carers' Resource.

"We have had covers styled on Sir Bradley Wiggins in the past when the Tour de France came to Yorkshire, and on Bradford City footballers to mark the historic occasion they reached Wembley. This Easter, the focus of our volunteers' imagination - and knitting sticks - has been the Queen's 90th birthday."

Since the first chick cover was knitted eight years ago, more than 10,000 have been sold - generating more than £15,000 for the charity.

"We are delighted to be able to draw upon the generosity of Cadbury, who have backed this initiative every year since day one, and take an active interest in the work that we are able to do as a result."

The covers are available at outlets across Yorkshire – from schools to cafes – as well as at the Carers’ Resource offices on North Park Road, Harrogate and Allhallowgate, Ripon.

For details visit www.carersresource.org