Essex knitters get in the party spirit with a Jubilee post-box topper
They're also making themed decorations to donate to local care homes
Ahead of the long weekend, hundreds of knitters across Essex are getting in the party spirit by creating handmade, jubilee themed items, including a giant crown to celebrate the Queen's seventy years on the throne.
Members of the Hug in a Shrug Project will donate the creations to local schools, care homes, hospitals and members of the public in the hopes that the items will bring a little cheer to the local community.
Corrina O'Donnell oversees the project in Rochford: "Our members are going mad with the Jubilee! They're doing bunting and jubilee coloured blankets to give out."
They've also created a post-box topper featuring the Queen, a beefeater and her corgi which is on display in Rochford, at Hawkwell, by the White Hart garage.
Corrina says it's already become a bit of a tourist attraction: "I've had so many comments and people sending me selfies outside with the postbox already.
"Even when I was putting it up, people were coming along, stopping and taking pictures. It's a lovely community spirit."
What is the Hug in a Shrug Project?
The Hug in a Shrug project began in lockdown, with the thought that blankets and shawls could serve as 'hugs' when covid lockdowns prevented people from meeting up in person.
It's now grown into a large online and in-person community in Essex, where people knit blankets, shawls and many other items, which are then gifted (for free) to people who are in need of a 'hug' - many of whom have been nominated.
Corrina explains who receives the gifts: "They could go to people that are bereaved, or who've just come home from hospital. People may have had some unfortunate circumstances - something's gone wrong or they're unwell.
"Sometimes people don't even tell us the reason - they might just have an elderly neighbour who they'd like to give a hug in a shrug...
"We also reach out to organisations like care homes, befriending services, mental health support groups and hospitals."
The Queen visits Essex
Here's a look back at some of the times Queen Elizabeth II has visited Essex throughout her reign:
Tilbury, 1953