A CROCHETED postbox topper appeared in support of a village's family tradition.
Ponteland's annual Duck Race will be held in Ponteland Park on Sunday, September 3 to fundraise for Children North East, which provides services to children and young families across the region.
John Cooper, a member of Ponteland Rotary Club which is organising the event, said they were 'really surprised' to see the postbox topper appear.
"We had not seen anything like this from previous Duck Races," he said.
The mysterious crocheter was identified as 32-year-old Ponteland resident, Holly Craighead, who works at Ponteland firm, Iain Nicholson & Co Solicitors.
She said: "I was inspired by seeing lots of other 'postbox toppers' on social media, and I know that someone else had previously made a 'postbox topper' for the Queen's Jubilee previously, so I chose the same postbox on Main Street outside of Cafe by Design and Bridgford Estate Agents. This postbox is on the main street so lots of people should be able to walk and drive past and see it.
"I crocheted the ducks, a skill that I had taught myself by watching YouTube video tutorials, and the whole thing took me around 18 or so hours. I unfortunately ran out out of yellow yarn, so had to make a trip to buy more yarn at one point!
"I would encourage people to support the Duck Race and raise money for Children North East. I have fond memories of my parents taking me to the Duck Race when I was a child and hope that the generations below me can continue to experience this day," she added.
Entry to Ponteland Park is free and tickets for the races will be on sale in the park on September 3.
The Rotary Club sold tickets at Waitrose in Ponteland over two days and raised nearly £500.
John added: "We've had fantastic support from the community for the pre-race ticket sales, so much so we had to order some more tickets."
A range of stalls, children's rides and a climbing wall along with ice cream, hot food and drinks will be available.
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