Calne's iconic head sculpture outside the library received an unusual woollen gift on Tuesday night when it was yarn-bombed by Marden Belles Women’s Institute.

The knitted bobble hat, which has taken six months to make, was a closely guarded secret until it was revealed around 9pm on Tuesday.

President of the Marden Belles WI Penny Hatchman said: “Hopefully everyone will think it’s really good and I am hoping it will stay up for quite some time.

“We may continue to add bits to it through the summer.

“We have been working on it for six months.

“We thought it could be great for the community and it raises awareness of the WI.”

Marden Belles WI was set up two years ago by Mrs Hatchman and, with an average age of 45, is said to be the next generation of WI.

With members as young as 19 the group enjoys cocktail parties and self defence lessons as well as more traditional WI activities.

Mrs Hatchman, 39, said: “When I set it up I was not sure how it would go. It is hard to set up for women with families but most of our members are parents.

“We do lots of things for families like science days so we try and make sure it does not limit them.”