SOME extra festive cheer is being spread in North Berwick after post boxes were given a Christmas makeover.

Two red Royal Mail post boxes are sporting Christmas-themed 'bonnets' thanks to the painstaking efforts of two town residents.

Community council chairman Judy Lockhart-Hunter and friend Linda Digney spent many hours making the crocheted post box 'toppers' after being inspired by similar creations in other parts of the country.

East Lothian Courier: The beautifully decorated post box on Quality Street, North Berwick

Said Judy: "We hoped that we could bring a smile to people and raise some money for the Christmas lights.

"When we were putting them up quite a few people came over to see what we were doing and the toppers seemed to really make everyone smile.

"They are a lot of work to make: they took us many many hours over quite a few months, not to mention the sore hands!

"We want to keep them going in the future but will probably only do them for Christmas because of the amount of work.

East Lothian Courier: The beautifully decorated post box on Quality Street, North Berwick

"We weren't 100 per cent sure they would even fit but we are both so proud of them and thrilled to see that so many people are getting enjoyment from them."

The decorated post boxes can be found on the town's Quality Street and on St Baldred's Road.

East Lothian Courier: The beautifully decorated post box on Quality Street, North Berwick

Meanwhile, there is late-night Christmas shopping in North Berwick this evening and in a fortnight's time.

Local businesses in the town will open until 8pm tonight (Thursday) and every Thursday until December 23 to allow shoppers more time to purchase gifts, with extra festivities provided by North Berwick in Bloom and Christmas carols by North Berwick Gospel Choir.

North Berwick in Bloom will serve warm winter punch to get visitors in the festive mood.

To donate to the town's Christmas lights fund, go to: GoFundMe.com/nbchristmaslights2021