Crafty folk Christmas tree with a difference in Dewsbury

A giant Christmas tree - dubbed a Knitmas Tree - stands proud outside Longcauseway Church in Dewsbury town centre.

It’s made entirely from knitted or crocheted squares and is a product of the Covid-19 lockdown.

A church spokesman said: “We had decided early in 2020 that this year we would like to have a knitted/crocheted Christmas tree outside church.

“Little did we know what a welcome diversion this would be for the many, many crafty people in our community of Dewsbury, Batley and surrounding area.

“As we were aware that many people were struggling in the isolation of lockdown. People who were used to always being busy and ‘doing’ were stuck indoors.

“So at the end of April we appealed to a knitters and crocheters through our church magazine to start knitting or crocheting squares.

“In August we extended the appeal through the local press and Churches Together in Dewsbury and The Methodist Circuit to ask everyone who could knit or crochet to do so.

“We received squares from all around the community, from people who haven’t knitted for years but who wanted to be a part of this exciting venture.”

The frame was constructed by church member John Hall and he and his wife Pam put the whole thing together.