England face coverings made to mark the beginning of this year's rugby Six Nations have been created by - an Irishwoman.

Joan Hennessy first created the patriotic English face masks for her fellow rugby loving neighbours as a bit of fun and decided to make more to be sold at Shotley Premier Stores, where other patterned coverings she has donated are also available.

"As an Irishwoman I have banter with some nearby neighbours each year about the Six Nations and we have a good craic, but obviously it is going to be different this year," Joan said. "I decided to make these covering from an old quilt cover for a couple of them just as a bit of fun and it went from there.

"We could all do with a bit of a smile at these times and I hope people enjoy wearing them during the Six Nations."

Joan has been making patterned face coverings since the beginning of the first lockdown last year, with proceeds donated to St Mary's Church, Shotley.

Last year Joan presented Manish with a special gold face mask between lockdowns to mark all the community work he and his staff have done to support the village.

• England kick off their Six Nations campaign today against Scotland in the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham, while Ireland are in Wales tomorrow.