IT was a colourful sight in Abergavenny yesterday as a charity decorated three trees with bright knitted squares in what is believed to be the biggest ‘yarn bombing’ in Wales.

Around 150 people gathered around the trees in Linda Vista Gardens together with the mayor, Cllr Sheila Woodhouse, story-teller Julie Long and the Tenovus Choir to celebrate the work of volunteers who dressed the trees in crochet and knitted squares.

The initiative by Zimele UK to create a colourful close-knit community tree, a celebration tree and a business tree, used the practice of ‘yarn bombing’ which involves using yarn or fibre instead of paint and chalk.

A team of volunteers created more than 1,000 synthetic wool squares which were then wrapped around the trees.

The celebration tree was covered in dedications made by hundreds of people for someone special, the profits of which will go towards the work of Zimele UK.

The charity was launched in 2008 and works with rural women in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, supporting them to recognise their skills and potential. and then walking with them while they realise their ambitions.

The project is part of Zimele’s link between two communities, Abergavenny in Wales and Swayimane in KwaZulu Natal. South Africa.

In 2013 Zimele established the link through Wales Africa Community Links, funded by the Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa programme.

Trustee Rebecca Hands said: “We believe The Close-Knit Community Tree will be the first yarn bombing on this scale in Wales. “I am thrilled that so many people got involved. The trees look spectacular and will remain decorated for four weeks.”