The Embroiderers’ Guild has produced a tribute in stitch by creating nearly 3,000 embroidered postcard-sized images depicting the life and times of more than 200 sporting nations.

Each country is represented by a series of postcards opening out like a concertina book.

From the national flag at the top, there is a cascade of embroidered images of national costume, customs, currency, fauna, flora, flood and landmarks.

The skills and creativity of the Embroiderers’ Guild members shine through with the wide variety of materials and techniques used to develop the designs.

Cards were stitched by members with various levels of stitching experience, and others were created by young embroiderers.

Jackie Rayer, south-east England regional chairman, said: “This has been a fun project but it also had its serious side. First, we had to do our research about our allotted country. Some branches also had help from their country’s embassy.

“Working individually and in teams members went on to create a series of hand or machine stitched, postcard-sized images that featured the culture, environment and people of the country.”

The Embroiderers’ Guild is an educational charity promoting the art of embroidery and related crafts, encouraging and nurturing the talents of all stitchers from beginners or professionals. There are 10,000 members, with many belonging to the 195 branches throughout the UK, and there is also a network of young embroiderers groups for those under 18.

Stitching a Welcome to Athletes of the World; The Embroiderers Guild, 1 Kings Road, Walton; Until March 18; call 01932 260738 or email reception@embroiderersguild.com.