A TIGHT knit group of crocheters has spun their latest gift to the community: an eco-themed Christmas postbox topper.

I’m Dreaming Of A Green Christmas is the fourth instalment in England’s Lane from Belsize Creates, an intergenerational group of about 16 people who meet each week at the library in Antrim Grove to get crafty.

The Grinch, a dinosaur wearing a scarf, trees, stockings and Father Christmas feature in the all-green topper, which was dreamed up by group member and children’s singer songwriter Caroline Chan.

She told the New Journal: “I think music and art and stories can really plant a seed in people’s minds. Art is just there and people can take it if they want it. “I don’t believe in preaching but I think you can be a bit clever about it.

“I will write about climate change in my lyrics. Children take it on board and parents tell me their children are repeating words they’ve learned.

“I hoped the topper would make a point – people would look at it and see the green bit and think why is it green? Everybody goes mad at Christmas, buying too much stuff.”

Ms Chan’s family try to have a green Christmas by not buying presents for everyone and instead doing a £10 Secret Santa, which has to be used in a charity shop or to make something.

The craft group’s first “peace to Ukraine” topper that was put up in February this year lasted six days before it was stolen.

“It was really sad and I thought I don’t want to be beaten by this. Then we replaced it with a phoenix called Joaquin, which people thought was a chicken,” she said.

It was looking hopeful for the festive topper, but after three months of crocheting, the Grinch was stolen just days after it was put up on December 1.

But Ms Chan won’t be dropping her needles. A new Grinch is on the way.