Yarn bombers raised almost £1,900, despite four of their toppers stolen and one being set alight.

Yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk.

The Dog Knits Yarn Bombers in Potters Bar are a secret society who have created more than 60 toppers on post boxes in Barnet, Brookmans Park and Potters Bar, this year.

One topper in Potters Bar was set alight, and a further four stolen, leaving the secret society of Dog Knits Yarn Bombers devastated.

A stolen topper in Barnet was later returned, and the knitters created a new topper for the one which was set on fire in Cranborne Road, Potters Bar.

The Dog Knits are raising money for the Friends of Southridge pensioners scheme.

Tina Bishop, spokesperson for the Dog Knits Yarn Bombers, and a member of the Friends of RSPCA Southridge, said: “To say the last two weeks has been eventful for us is an understatement.

“We’ve had some real highs and lows, but it’s been the support of the local community which has kept us going throughout.

“We are so overwhelmed by the messages of support and the donations so far, and we thank everyone, but we hope that more people can spare a few pounds to continue to support us as we are still a long way off our fundraising target.”

The 12-strong team of yarn bombers have made the toppers to raise money for the RSPCA Friends of Southridge pensioners scheme - which provides funding for sick animals and elderly animals at the centre who require ongoing veterinary treatment through to their twilight years.

The Dog Knits are raising £25,000 to run the scheme for another year.

Anyone wanting to donate can do so by taking a look at the tag which is on each of the yarn-bombed post boxes.