The bollards along St Helen’s Wharf have once again been topped with crochet tops. Snowmen, robins, and Christmas puddings now alternate along the railings, adding festive interest to this picturesque stretch of the Thames.

Some of the decorations are familiar: last year saw 75 robins and puddings, and the year before 75 puddings – many of which have made a return, joined by the new snowmen.

The display is appreciated by people walking the wharf. Even the river seems to have gained a festive visitor. Among the familiar mallards, a new duck has been seen in recent months: a Red-crested Pochard. It behaves much like the others, paddling over hopefully when people stop and gaze. These exotic birds were originally part of ornamental bird collections, and have escaped and gone native.