RESIDENTS awoke to discover their town had been 'yarn-bombed' by artists this morning.

Benches, fences and even bikes have been targeted by the artists, covering the items in kinitting and crochet.

The installations have caused quite a stir with the locals, most of whom seem to think it's a great idea.

Crafters who sell their works in the Hand Made New Forest shop have claimed responsibility for the fabulous street decorations.

The brain child of portrait artist Gemma Figgins, she and around 15 other "craft ninjas" took to the high street in the early hours.

"It's just a bit of fun," she said. "We wanted to make people smile."

Handmade New Forest tweeted some of the items this morning, which included the post box, bike racks and bins.

 

Yarn bombing, yarn storming, guerrilla knitting, kniffiti, urban knitting or graffiti knitting is described as a type of street art using colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk.

As well as various knitted items, there is also a paper mâché chicken on the phone box.

Kirsten Jansen said: "It's amazing. They must have got up very early."

But Elizabeth Arnold wasn't left in stitches. She said: "It's a bit odd. I've lived here for six years and never seen anything like it."