David and Jay's Touring Toolshed features Toppers of Northwich

Along with co-star, furniture restorer and craftsman Jay Blades, Sir David called on the Toppers of Northwich yarn bombers at the Old School House on Manchester Road, to film an episode of David and Jay’s Touring Toolshed, which started this week on BBC2.

Browsing the knitted creations, national treasure Sir David remarked they were 'clever stuff', adding: 'Look at the stuff you can make. It's so neat. Isn't it lovely!"

He then said yarn bombing ‘sounded like something out of a warzone’ but was thrilled when the crafters gave him a beautifully needle felted Danger Mouse, the character he voiced in the iconic 80s and 90s kids show.

The 83-year-old was touched when crafter, Janet Gibson, who made the toy, confessed it was her favourite show to watch with her kids when they were growing up.  

Sir David and Jay were blown away by the Toppers work (Image: BBCiPlayer)

Jay was puzzled by all the pineapples the group were knitting, which are for the town's celebrated Piña Colada Festival, and was surprised to learn Rupert Holmes – who wrote The Piña Colada Song – was born in the town in 1947.

The pair were also presented with ‘woolly mood boards’, which included a knitted cigar and ash tray for Sir David - a nod to his character Derek 'Del-boy' Trotter in the classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses, and for Jay, a replica of his signature leather craftsman’s apron, complete with tools. 

Toppers of Northwich founder, Katie Naylor Brown, had a good chat with Sir David and Jay about the 170-strong group’s work, and how much they love turning Northwich into a vibrant sea of colour with their knitting, sewing, and crochet.

Topper of Northwich founder, Katie Naylor Brown (left) told Sir Daivd and Jay about the group's work (Image: BBCiPlayer)

Speaking after watching the show on iPlayer, she said: "It was a really good day.

"David and Jay were here for about three or four hours and they were just so genuine.

"David Jason was really funny, he was cracking jokes the whole time.

"It has gone beyond the show. Jay has kept in touch with us, he said he wants to keep supporting the work we do as he was so impressed.

"He said we were the best group he had come across and to get that validation from someone who is so skilled and has met so many people is a massive boost for the group."

The celebrity do were amazed by the standard of the Toppers' work (Image: BBCiPlayer)

Katie and the Toppers feature in episode 14 of the series, which airs at 6.30pm on Thursday, February 7, but is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. 

The group are planning to host a viewing party when it airs at the Very Green Grocery on Manchester Road.