OLYMPIC canoeist Jonnie Schofield will be cheered on by an army of furry fans — which have all been handmade by his mother.

Sewing fan Maggie Schofield, 56, from Sawley, has lovingly made a series of supporters as a thank-you to Jonnie’s coaches.

Maggie said: “I have made 13 supporters for the children of Jonnie’s coaches and supporters.

“I do a lot of sewing anyway and I spotted the Union flag fabric and it inspired me.

“I have made these little animals before  and now they are acquiring little Olympic accessories like hats, backpacks and flags. I’ll be giving them out to their new owners in London.”

Maggie has been taking photos of the supporters in various poses and sending them to Jonnie who “thinks they’re cute”.

Jonnie, 27, who will be competing in the K2 200m event with partner Liam Heath next week, tweeted a picture of his mum’s handiwork saying: “My Ma has been busy making more Olympic supporters!”

Maggie made a few extra fans, who have been snapped up by the Lancashire Telegraph editorial team in exchange for a donation to Health Aid Moyo, a charity which provides medical help in Malawi and Mozambique.