Knitters and crafters in Northumberland are being encouraged to get creative and help produce a range of countryside-inspired keepsakes to support St Oswald’s Hospice.

They will link with its latest art trail running from July 15 to September 14. The trail will feature 43 large and 53 small sculptures of Beatrix Potter’s beloved Peter Rabbit character displayed across landmarks in the Tyneside region.

Young people in Northumberland have contributed, including students from Newminster Middle School in Morpeth decorating one of the sculptures.

Following the overwhelming success of its 2023 trail, Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne, the hospice hopes to once again harness the creativity of people in the county and elsewhere in the North East.

Newminster Middle School pupils in Morpeth get ready to paint the sculpture.

placeholder image — Newminster Middle School pupils in Morpeth get ready to paint the sculpture.

During the previous event, supporters created and donated a wide range of handcrafted, sheep-themed items that were sold to raise vital funds.

This year, the hospice is appealing for woodland, nature and garden-themed creations to help stock its trail merchandise.

Due to licensing restrictions, the hospice cannot accept or sell items that directly replicate Peter Rabbit or other Beatrix Potter characters. However, there is still plenty of opportunity for creativity within the countryside theme.

Danielle Harvey, fundraising manager at St Oswald’s Hospice, said: “We’re thinking of things like knitted woodland animals, fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as textile items featuring floral prints.

“Items can be knitted, sewn, felted or even painted – we’d encourage people to get as creative as possible.”

For more information and/or if you want to get involved, call the supporter care team on 0191 2469123 or email [email protected]