HAND-knitted Easter chick covers for Cadbury crème eggs have proved a run-away success for Craven charity Carers Resource.

For the past seven years, an army of volunteer knitters have produced more than 10,000 gaily decorated covers in time for Easter.

One couple alone has knitted more than 2,000 covers, helping to raise more than £15,000.

The charity teams up with Cadbury and sells the eggs with their covers for £1.50.

And in a first for Carers Resource, this year, it is also making outfits for Easter bunnies, in some cases recycling last summer's miniature knitted Tour de France jerseys.

Anne Wells, events and fundraising manager, said: “This success story is a feather in the cap – quite literally - of all those people who give up their time so freely to knit these covers, as well as everyone in our community who sells them on our behalf.

“We are also delighted to be able to draw upon the generosity of Cadbury, who have backed this initiative every year since day one, and take an active interest in the work that we are able to do as a result."

She added: “The chicks are not just a great Easter present – they also play an important role in raising awareness of the vital work we do in helping unpaid carers from all walks of life and of all ages overcome the day-to-day pressures that their role brings.”

The covers are available from a range of outlets – from schools to cafes to Rotary Clubs and Broughton Hall business park. To find out more, visit carersresource.org