BUSY stitchers from Walkhampton will soon see the fruits of their labour on view for all when the village's Millennium wall hanging takes pride of place in the Memorial Hall.
Work started on the cross-stitch canvas work two years ago after the hall committee decided the redecorated building needed a colourful focal point.
Derelie D'Oyley said: 'We knew there were quite a few people in the community who enjoyed cross-stitch from the time we made kneelers for the church.
'I had a network of people and we advertised in the church magazine.'
The project was given £200 from the Villages in Action rural creative projects fund which paid for the canvas panels and wool from carpet giants Axminster.
'They sell the excess wool from their mill shop. They bundle it all into sacks — it's a complete jumble. You buy it by weight, take it home and have to sit and tease it all out,' said Mrs D'Oyley.
The completed wall hanging measures 5ft by 4ft, comprising a central panel showing a map of the parish surrounded by 24 smaller panels.
The panels display historic buildings like the parish church, local landmarks, farm animals and wildlife.
At least 20 people have been involved in the stitching. After consulting villagers about subjects which would typify Walkhampton, the designs were created by Mrs D'Oyley and her husband Michael.
'It was very much a community project. It's something I think the whole village will feel they have had a part in,' she said.
'One parent took the school on as her project — she went into school every week for 18 months. Every child, right down to the reception class, has put in at least one or two stitches,' said Mrs D'Oyley.
The committee hopes the wall hanging will not only brighten up the memorial hall but also provide a historic record of Walkhampton in 1999 for the new Millennium.
'We are very pleased with it. About half way through I did think "what have I let myself in for?" because quite a few panels are country scenes with a lot of brown, grey and green and I was worried it might be a bit drab,' said Mrs D'Oyley.
'But now it's finished it's surprising how lively it is and it has the coat of arms which is very colourful.'
A grand unveiling ceremony of the Millennium wall hanging will take place on Friday, November 26, by Earl Morley. The preview evening of Walkhampton Arts and Crafts Christmas Fair takes place during that weekend.
Tickets are available for the preview evening and unveiling at £5 each. For details ring 01822 852268.