A nimble-fingered knitter from Cumbria has been hard at work finishing woollen presents for local children, which she began making in spring.
Bernie Holmes from Barrow started making more than 30 knitted toys back in March as Christmas presents for children at her toddler group, North West Evening Mail reports.
Ms Holmes has been involved with the Ormsgill Children's Centre for 30 years and wanted to celebrate the anniversary by making extra special gifts for each of the children.
The 53-year-old has run the group for the past 20 years alongside colleague and friend Joan Brooke and has been making knitted festive gifts for the past four years in order to spread some Christmas spirit.
This year's presents were given to the excited children by Santa at a Christmas party held at the centre last week, with characters such as a topsy-turvy doll, a fireman and a selection of cuddly animals being very well received by the youngsters.
She even handed her 12-week-old grandson, Malachy Kirkland, who arrived dressed as one of Santa's elves, a knitted aeroplane toy for him to play with once he is old enough.
However, this did not prove to be the most complicated design, as Ms Holmes told the newspaper that the toughest knitted character on her Christmas list this year was a one-metre dinosaur.
She went on to say that despite taking her a very long time to plan and create she enjoys the challenge of making so many different knitted designs for the young children.
"I started in March/April time. The kids love them because their parents pick what each child will want. It's brilliant seeing the kids get the presents from Father Christmas," Ms Holmes added.
Each of the clever designs were handknitted using patterns devised by the toddler group leader herself and made from wool donated by parents and members of the community.
