21 pictures of hand-crafted Santa’s Socks that spread festive cheer

However bitter the north wind, Father Christmas won’t get cold feet this winter. A tireless team of York stitchers, knitters, crocheters and appliqué experts have created no fewer than 400 Santa’s socks.

York Learning, the council service offering advice on education, training and careers, asked people to make the socks so they can be filled with treats and handed out at York’s four food banks.

The response was enough to blow Santa’s socks off. Organisers thought their target of 270 was ambitious, but were flabbergasted when the total reached 400.

People organised craft sessions. Sewing circles set about stitching stockings. Girl guides got on with it, and even book groups swapped their novels for knitting needles.

Crafty folk from school age to 90 took part, using recycled materials and sharing their skills, true to the York Learning Mission.

“The response to this appeal has been wonderful, with willing individuals and groups from all over the city keen to partake in the festive spirit and put their crafting skills into action,” said Cllr Sonja Crisp, Cabinet member for leisure.

If you have any sweets that can fill the stockings, and share some festive spirit with people who may be struggling this Christmas, please contact York food banks.

Sock it to them