Harry Potter, Dobby, Hedwig and Hagrid appear in Shropshire town

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Knitted Harry Potter characters have magically appeared in one town in Shropshire.

A Harry Potter wonderland has appeared in a town in Shropshire, like something straight out of Hogwarts.

A group called the Yarn Bombers has given the muggle town of Ellesmere a magical makeover.

But spells and potions aren't behind the transformation. Instead its members knitted and crocheted the mini characters dotted around the town.

Themed woolly characters take over Ellesmere every year, and this year's knitted event began on 31 July - Harry Potter's stated birthday.

It is also 26 years since Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, the first book in the series, was released.

How do you think Harry would celebrate his birthday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Dobby is now a free elf and can be found relaxing on a post box in Ellesmere

A woolly wonderland of witchcraft and wizardry

Harry Potter, Dobby the house-elf, Hagrid and Hedwig the owl can be spotted hanging out on benches, post boxes and trees in the Shropshire town.

The Ellesmere Yarn Bombers, who are behind the magical makeover, have been taking over the town with their knitted creations since 2018.

Alison Utting, one of the organisers, says the aim is to spread joy and "make people smile".

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Image caption, Begin at platform 9 and 3/4, and board the Hogwarts express...

Image source, Ellesmere Yarn Bombers

Image caption, Look out for Hedwig, Harry Potter's loyal snowy owl

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Hogwarts grounds-keeper Hagrid can be spotted on one tree

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The Sorting Hat put this tree into the House of Slytherin

The woolly creations have been earning fans from across the world.

"We've had people commenting from Australia and in America because people have been sharing pictures of them online," chief knitter Alison said.

Did your favourite Harry Potter character get a knitted makeover? How do you think Harry would celebrate his birthday? Let us know in the comments.