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Festive postbox toppers deliver Christmas cheer in the West

Helen Knight A postbox topper with a train and festive characters insideHelen Knight
This topper was spotted in Netheravon

If you have been out to post a letter lately you might have noticed your postbox looking more festive - and cosy - than usual.

Christmas-themed crocheted postbox toppers have been popping up across villages, towns and cities ahead of the big day.

They feature Santas, reindeer, snowmen and Christmas trees. You name it - anything festive.

Here is a selection of some of this year's woolly toppers across the West.

PA A postbox topper with Santa falling down a chimney, Rudolf the Reindeer and an elfPA
There has been a surge in the popularity of postbox toppers - the knitted or crocheted decorations that sit on top of postboxes
A knitted church and carol singers on top of a postbox
These knitted carol singers are on a postbox in Taunton

Amie Nelmes, from Stratton, Gloucestershire, learnt to crochet during the coronavirus lockdown, initially, she said, to keep her sane.

She started by making a variety of creations, such as toys and accessories, for the social media "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness" scheme; making things and leaving them in her local area for strangers to find and keep.

A champagne 'Hello 2023' postbox topper
Amie Nelmes has created a topper for every month this year
A postbox topper of a gingerbread house
Amie Nelmes says she learnt to crochet during the covid lockdown

Her first topper was on a postbox near a school in Stratton, Cirencester.

"It was a big hit," said Mrs Nelmes, "I had loads of responses thanking me and the children said it was brilliant."

Wivey Square Post Box A knitted tractor on a postboxWivey Square Post Box
A knitted tractor sits on top of Wiveliscombe Square post box
A remembrance day postbox topper with poppies
"I do it for other people now," said Amie Nelmes, who has been creating toppers for a variety of occasions over the last year
A topper with a festive theme, including Santa and a knitted postbox
This topper can be enjoyed by patients at Bath's Royal United Hospital

For the past year she has made a topper every month on a relevant theme, such as the King's Coronation in May.

"I do it for other people now. I'm happy if someone says 'It brought a smile to my face' and I can think, I've done that. I love it," she added.

A topper with the characters from the film "The Snowman"
The characters from the film "The Snowman" were knitted for this topper in Downend, Bristol
Julie Rice A postbox topper with Santa, a snowman and a christmas puddingJulie Rice
The crocheted creations often feature on social media
Lisa Shashin A postbox topper with a festive themeLisa Shashin
The festive toppers can be spied on postboxes across the West - this one is in Longwell Green
Amanda Orton A postbox topper with a festive themeAmanda Orton
Shoppers in Tewkesbury have been enjoying this festive topper
A postbox topper with the cast of the BBC show 'Ghosts'
A knitted topper dedicated to the cast of family favourite BBC sitcom 'Ghosts'
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