AS the nation prepares for the upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a Hobbycraft colleague in Taunton has paid tribute to the service of Her Majesty The Queen with an amazing knitting project.

Melanie Downing, who works at Hobbycraft Taunton, has knitted three ‘Queen's Guard’ puppets which have taken position on the bollards outside the store.

These fantastic designs will be on display for the Taunton community to joy until the Jubilee weekend.

Somerset County Gazette: The Queen's Guard puppetsThe Queen's Guard puppets

Melanie has shared her inspiration behind the project and said: “The jubilee inspired me to knit the bollard covers for the front of our store.

“I really enjoyed designing them and wanted to make the uniforms as accurate as possible.

“During the knitting, I had time to reflect on my father’s role in the Queen's coronation as an eighteen-year-old lining the route during his national service and his deployment to the Korean war the very next day.”

Ahead of the celebrations, Hobbycraft has everything you need to prepare for the party, from street party accessories to kids craft to keep them entertained over the weekend.

Hobbycraft Taunton will also be hosting a selection of Jubilee-themed workshops for the local community to get involved in.

Whether it is some relaxing time for yourself or some entertainment with the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from Jubilee Crochet Bunting to a Kids' Jubilee Crown Making Class.

Once booked, Hobbycraft will send you everything you need to take part in the workshop which will be hosted by a craft expert.

Visit Unit 2 Deane Retail Park, Taunton, TA1 2LR before the Jubilee weekend to see the installation.

The Taunton store will be open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Tweet the store @Hobbycraft_TTN