The creator of a post box topper in Oxfordshire made as part of a fundraising campaign said she was "absolutely gutted" to find it had been set alight. 

Rachel Crook, also known within the community as Yarnsy, crocheted the post box topper to raise money for Sobell House's OxTrail fundraising campaign.

Sobell House Hospice offers end-of-life care and support to the Oxfordshire community.

The creation, which was on top of a post box on The Broadway in Didcot, was one of four toppers made to raise money.

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The topper before it was vandalisedThe topper before it was vandalised (Image: Rachel Crook)

The devastated creator told the Oxford Mail: "More than anything, it’s disappointing that this should happen to a charity piece.

"This particular topper was created to raise awareness and funds for the Oxtrail 2024, which is an event that took place this summer for Sobell House.

"I had a JustGiving page set up to raise £500 - unfortunately I don’t think we’ll meet the target now."

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The fundraiser can be found here.

Ms Crook posted pictures of the damage on Facebook, which was met with hundreds of comments. 

She wrote: "I think Yarnsy will be taking a bit of a break after this.

"My apologies to the Post Office. I never dreamed anyone would set fire to my creation."

A spokesperson for the Post Office said: "We’re aware of the postbox on the Broadway in Didcot having been vandalised.

"There is no damage to the box or the letters contained inside.

"Customers can still use it as needed."