THESE stunning pictures show a West Yorkshire train station which was been completely transformed with more than 15,000 rainbow knitted squares.

Around 1,000 devoted knitters and crocheters from around the world have spent an estimated 45,000 hours to create the eye-catching installation.

The knitters started during the first lockdown in an online community group with the target of 5,000 squares, but soon surpassed that.

The installation at Huddersfield station uses more than 75,000 yards of yarn.

The process, known as 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.

It features all seven colours of the rainbow and spans more than 42 miles of yarn which covers the six grand pillars at the front of the station.

The installation, dubbed The Big Rainbow Knit, is part of a biennial festival called Woven which feautures textile-themed events as well as workshops and exhibitions.

Stuart Hillard, the star of BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee officially unveiled the spectacular yarn bomb on Thursday, June 10.

Stuart, a renowned quilt designer, said: “It’s a great honour to be part of this amazing event and the yarn bomb looks spectacular – a must see for anyone visiting or passing through the town.

“It’s great to see the support that this project has attracted and how people have used their skills at whatever level to get involved with the project.

“This year has been difficult in so many ways for us all so being part of a wider crafting community will have been a big help to many.”

Nat Walton, Woven Festival curator, said: “There is no better way to kick start this year’s festival than with the unveiling of a huge yarn bomb on one of Kirklees’ most iconic buildings.

"We truly are overwhelmed by all the contributions we’ve received so far – without them this project wouldn’t have been possible so we are extremely grateful for every square created by the people of Kirklees and beyond.

"This year’s festival might look a little different to what we first envisaged all those months ago but it promises to be just as exciting with lots going on for all to enjoy.”

Councillor Will Simpson said:“It’s fantastic that Kirklees’ Woven festival has touched the lives of so many people, with contributions to the yarn bomb coming in from across Kirklees and around the globe.

“Creativity has united many of us through the ups and downs of the last 12 months – and of course the rainbow has become a beacon of hope and connection.

"As restrictions ease now is the perfect time to celebrate all of the creativity that surrounds us in Kirklees."

The Big Rainbow Knit will be on display at Huddersfield Train station until June 27.

Once the festival has ended, the installation will be removed and made into smaller blankets which will then be given to local charities.