A GROUP of yarn bombing knitters - whose inventive creations have brought acclaim from around the country - have celebrated their first year.

Thirsk Yarn Bombers only came together about 12 months ago to knit decorations for special events around the town.

They welcomed the Tour de Yorkshire through Thirsk by covering the town in their woollen art while under cover of darkness.

The next day people discovered trees, bollards, benches and shop doors covered in colourful decorations, including the James Herriot statue at the World of James Herriot museum, which was given a knitted birthday cake and pink leg warmers.

Since then the group, set up by Ann Akers and Samantha Spence, has continued to garner admiration for its work.

In November the group created a striking blanket of 35,000 poppies which hung from St Mary's Church for Remembrance Day.

Thirsk Yarn Bombers celebrated their achievements at Thirsk Royal British Legion Club, where Channel Five’s Yorkshire Vets, Peter Wright and Julian Norton presented bouquets to the organisers.