KIND-hearted knitters in Worcester have used their creative skills to support some of the city’s good causes.

Twelve women at Eastbank Court retirement apartments have made blankets, hats and gloves for the homeless and dolls for terminally-ill children.

The items have been lovingly crafted over several months by members of the site’s weekly knitting club and have been donated to Maggs Day Centre and Acorns Children’s Hospice

Andrea Hotham, duty manager at Eastbank Court, who runs the craft activities, said: “The women have put in so much hard work and I thought it was really important to recognise their achievements.

“The group are extremely happy to be giving to a number of good causes and the supported charities will definitely appreciate their efforts.”

Miss Hotham added the knitting club had been set up to provide a fun, social activity for the women, who are aged over 70.

She said: “They all look forward to attending the sessions and hardly ever miss a week.

“It is a great chance for them to get together, do some knitting, have a natter and interact with each other.

“This helps to reduce isolation for some and provides an opportunity to get out of the apartment and meet up with friends.”

Mandie Fitzgerald, community fundraising manager at Acorns Children's Hospice, said: “We rely on the community to provide the majority of the funds to support local life-limited children and their families.

"It’s always wonderful to see how supporters bring their own interests and skills to help Acorns.

"On behalf of everyone, I’d like to thank the group for their efforts.

"The knitted dolls will be used in a number of ways to help support Acorns.”