A GROUP of knitters are calling on delivery drivers to help ensure their charity blanket appeal is all sewn up.

Members of the newly formed Methodist Church Craft Club in Messingham have knitted several blankets of different sizes to be sent to the Feed The Children charity – and they are looking for anyone who can deliver them to the group's headquarters in Twyford, near Reading.

ALL WRAPPED UP: Members of the Messingham Methodist Church Craft Club with some of the patchwork blankets they have made for Feed the Children.

Marie Atkinson, member of the Messingham Club, said: "The blankets are so expensive to send via post so we are looking for alternative methods.

"We have tried fundraising but if anyone knows a company that travels down that way or themselves are willing enough to deliver them to the charity, we would be very appreciative."

The idea to make the blankets was founded by Muriel Jacklin, district president of Methodist Women in Britain.

She said:"I have been supporting the Feed The Children charity for some time and decided instead of giving money it would be good to donate knitted blankets.

"I launched the appeal at a special service, at Ashby Wesley Methodist Church, when I was elected as president back in October.

"Marie listened to my appeal and put it into action with friends."

She said one blanket will take each volunteer up to three months to knit and so far 10 blankets have been made since the club formed in September with plenty more in the pipeline. Mrs Jacklin added: "I am thrilled that the group have taken my idea on.

"I hope other Methodist Church groups would have done the same and taken forward the idea.

"It is hard for me to keep track of everyone but I know I have the support out there."

Group member Joan Butler urged others with spare time to get involved.

"Moving to Messingham a year ago I had nothing to do with my time," she said.

"The club has offered a lifeline for me to meet new people and enjoy my retired life with others.

"It is very enjoyable and people can just come for a cup of tea if they wish."

The Methodist Church Craft Club in Messingham meets once every third Thursday of each month, inside the church hall at 1.30pm.

Admission is £1 with refreshments included.

The craft club in Messingham is open to anyone living in the village.

Anyone able to help transport the blankets should call 01724 273130 for more details.