Maker of 6ft crochet soldier honoured at palace

A woman who spent 200 hours crocheting a life-sized World War Two soldier and then donated it to a museum was recognised for her work during a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Jilly Crofts, 58, from Stanley Common near Ilkeston in Derbyshire, was invited to join the Prince and Princess of Wales on 20 May to celebrate her contribution to her local community.

The Remembrance Day tribute - which used 12 balls of wool - went on display at Erewash Museum last year and in turn, prompted a nomination for a garden party invite by the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill.

On the event itself, Ms Crofts said: "It was lovely... it really spurs you on to keep crocheting."

Attendees of the garden parties hear music from two live military bands and get to enjoy the palace gardens, as well as having a chance to speak to a member of the Royal Family.

Ms Crofts said: "I was nominated in October 2024 and knew I'd find out if I could go by the end of January, so when it came through at the very end of January, I squealed.

"You can only go once now, so it really is a once in a lifetime experience.

"I saw Kate and William about four feet away.

"We were standing on the front row near the tent where the members of the Royal Family had their tea, and we got to see them come out for the national anthem."

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