Mansfield District Council is auctioning off four blankets as part of the Royal Knit campaign with proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion and a local homeless charity.

Over the past four months volunteers from across the district have rallied together in knit and natter groups to make patriotic inspired knitted and crocheted pieces with the aim of yarn bombing the town centre for the Queen’s 90th Birthday Street Party on Sunday 12 June.

Along with the small pieces made for display on the streets, some members of the public have also created large Union Jack blankets to help raise money for charity.

Two of the blankets, crocheted by Nicola Upton and Rachel Smith, of Sutton in Ashfield, are on display at Mansfield Museum and people interested in buying them can now place bids on them until the end of June.

There are also a whole host of brightly coloured ‘yarn bombs’ covering the rest of the museum too, which have been created by Growing Bolder, a group with mixed ages and abilities who meet at the museum once a fortnight to take part in craft activities.

The blankets and other impressive yarn-bombing displays created by the group over several months will be taking pride of place at the museum at its public party for the Queen on Saturday 11 June. This event runs from 10am to 1pm and includes craft activities, a royal family trail and tea party. Party goers will be able to marvel at the displays, which include a yarn-bombed bicycle, and bid on the blankets, which will remain on display for the rest of the month.

More yarn bombing will be put up around the town in time for the council’s Street Party for the Queen’s landmark birthday in the Market Place on 12 June from 11am to 3pm. The family event will have something for all ages, including face painting, party entertainment and craft workshop where children can enter a ‘design a bag’ competition and have the chance to see their designs printed onto shopping bags in time for Mansfield BID’s evening market later in the year. There will also be free pony rides, a knit and natter area and giant garden games as well as free flags and Victoria sponge tasters (whilst stocks last).

Portfolio Holder for Cultural Services, Town and District Centres Cllr David Smith said: “We encourage as many people as possible to show their support for the Royal Knit campaign by digging deep and bidding on the blankets to help us to raise some money for these well deserving charities.

“Then on Sunday 12 June we look forward to hosting the Street Party that is free to participate in. It will be a great chance to enjoy a family day out with shopping, fun and entertainment.”

If you are interested in placing a bid to win one of the blankets email [email protected] with your highest bid, name and contact telephone number by 30 June 2016.

For more information about the Royal Knit visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/royalknit or to see what else is on at Mansfield Market visit www.mansfieldmarket.co.uk