A WORCESTERSHIRE business owner had one of her creations worn by an iconic soap star on Emmerdale.

Anne Fulford, owner of Annie's Creations, was blown away when one of the hats she crochets appeared on the long-running ITV soap.

In a recent episode of the popular soap opera, fan favourite character Marlon Dingle could be seen wearing one of Anne's handcrafted hats.

Anne, of Upper Pendock, near Malvern, said: " The order was placed in February with a delivery address of ITV Studios, and I originally just thought was a gift for somebody that worked there.

"I had to contact the customer to find out a few more details for delivery and that is when I found it was going to be for an Emmerdale episode.

"I had to keep it quiet for quite a while as it was going to be used shortly."

In the episode, Marlon, played by Mark Charnock, is in the hospital recovering from a recent stroke and is gifted the hat as a present during his rehabilitation therapy.

Anne did not know that the hat was going to be used for the touching hospital scene, and it resonated with her after her own medical battle.

Anne said: "I made the hats as part of my own rehabilitation so the storyline really took me back.

"I found out I had a brain tumour which needed surgery.

"Thankfully it was successful and the tumour was benign, however the size of the tumour brought on epilepsy and an acquired brain injury which has affected my cognitive functions and communication.

"Once I got through the early days after the surgery, I wanted to do something so I took up crocheting again and started making squares for a charity that made blankets for sick kids.

"About a year later, my sister helped me set up an Etsy store and I started selling hats, scarves and children's clothes online.

"This has been a lifeline for me and has been something lovely to focus on and see the reaction from people online."

Malvern Gazette: Anne Fulford's Pony Hat.Anne Fulford's Pony Hat.

Anne's Facebook page has been filled with people leaving congratulatory messages since the episode aired.

She said: "It has been amazing reading all the lovely comments from people

"I watched it with my daughter and she was really excited to see it, but it took me a while for it to sink in that it was my hat on television."