Twenty life-sized knitted chicks will be on display in the windows of businesses in Didsbury village from March 1.

Organisers Francis House Children’s Hospice are inviting members of the public to hunt for the unique handmade chicks as part of The Great Didsbury Easter Chick Hunt.

Maps are available from the 20 venues that have backed the appeal – these include restaurants, cafes, opticians, a shoe shop and a butchers.

To kick off the appeal, staff from Francis House and local traders will be outside Didsbury Library on March 1 from midday, handing out maps and selling mini-knitted chicks.

Rachel Astill, fundraiser at Francis House said: “Our Easter Knitted Chick Appeal raised an incredible £50,000 last year.

“We wanted to build on that success by arranging a fun Easter activity for the whole family.

“We are delighted that so many local traders in Didsbury are hosting our chicks and we hope lots of people will enjoy getting involved.”

Each unique chick has been generously knitted by hospice supporter Maria Dunbobbin from Cheadle Hulme.

The ‘Chick Hunt’ is running throughout Easter until April 6 with information and the map here.