ICONIC knitted postbox toppers created by the “Banksy of Leigh” are set to go on display in a bid to raise cash for charity.

Linda Catling, 75, has created more than 30 of the knitted designs since the start of the pandemic, including tributes to the NHS and Sir Captain Tom.

Her work has gained plaudits across the community, with her postbox toppers regularly displayed on Marine Parade where she lives.

Now, a selection of the knitted works will be on display at the Leigh Horticultural Show on Saturday at Leigh Road Baptist Church.

She has encouraged people attending to give donations to Southend In Sight, a charity that supported her when she became partially blind.

She said, “Since becoming partially sighted it’s given me an opportunity to get my creative side out and think more about the message I want the hats to get across. I’m shocked that I’ve made so many I need three tables to display them all.

“The charity I am fundraising for is close to my heart as they have helped me when I first discovered I was partially blind. I was having difficulty with cooking, and they sent me a talking scale, they also offered helpful advice.”

Her unique hats aim to have a meaningful message behind them for each month. Her most recent piece is made in commemoration of HMS Leigh as the town celebrates the crucial part it played in the Second World in September.

The display will also include a sneak peek of one of her Christmas hats she has been working on for this year. The hat will be mixed in with the other 30 hats on display and it is up to attendees to spot it.

Catherine Hogson, a community fundraiser at Southend In Sight said: “We are delighted that Linda and her now famous post box hats will be supporting Southend in Sight, at the Leigh Horticultural Show.

“Linda is an inspiration to all our members in how to continue doing something you love while living with a visual impairment.”