AN artist has been stitching floral yarn creations to brighten up a town centre.

Sarah Oatley, owner of Drawn Threads, was enlisted by Darlington Borough Council to knit creations ahead of the full reopening of the high street.

They are now appealing for others to come forward to help.

Ms Oatley said: “We want to flood the town with knitting and crochet floral displays and make it an inviting place for visitors ahead of the full high street reopening in June. We want to bring a bit of colour to Darlington and cover as much of the town centre as we can.

“We have lots of designs; flowers, leaves, bees and butterflies to keep you busy. Donating wool is also a fantastic way to help. This is an exciting project. Please be part of it – every flower makes a difference.”

The knitted creations will celebrate the town’s full reopening post-lockdown and will be on display from June 12.

Alex Nicholson, the town centre partnership and event manager, said: “As well as our desire to create a bright atmosphere in the town centre, the flower designs are a celebration of Darlington’s commitment to welcoming those with hidden disabilities through the ‘sunflower friendly town scheme.’

“Darlington has been chosen to be a national pilot for the sunflower friendly town scheme. This means that businesses recognise the Hidden Disabilities sunflower symbol and know that a person wearing a sunflower lanyard may need extra help. We are delighted to be part of such an inclusive scheme. Sunflower lanyards can be obtained from many businesses in town free of charge.

“A huge thank you to all of the incredible people who will make the town bright, beautiful and full of handmade flowers.”

All knitted and crochet designs should be handed in on or before May 16, at Darlington Library. For patterns and to get involved contact Sarah Oatley at drawnthreads.uk@gmail.com.