COLOURFUL chicks are winging their way to Ilkley to help raise funds for carers across the district.

For the tenth year running a dedicated team of volunteer knitters at Yorkshire charity Carers’ Resource has created a range of special woollen chick egg covers for its Easter appeal.

Some 1,200 chicks have been knitted in bright colours and decorated with hats, feathers and accessories, and are on sale in Carers’ Resource offices and at Ilkley Moor Medical Practice, Springs Lane, Ilkley.

Money raised helps ensure ongoing support for unpaid carers - people who look after a relative or friend who has an illness, frailty, disability or addiction.

This year’s theme is ‘all colours of the rainbow’ and they are on sale at £2 each, which includes a Cadbury crème egg.

In the past nine years 12,250 have been sold, raising £19,429, and previous themes have included Le Grant Depart and the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations last year.

Chris Whiley, Director at Carers’ Resource, was delighted a knitter modelled a chick on her distinctive hairstyle. “The Easter creations are a fun way to raise funds for carers as well as a great way for us to spread the word about the support we offer to carers,” she said. “Thanks to all the knitters for their wonderful support and we hope this year’s colourful and eye-catching batch will raise a cracking total.”

Confectionary giant Cadbury has once again generously supported the drive by donating free crème eggs for the egg covers.