A creative Cockermouth fundraising group has raised £5,531.85 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria in 12 months.

Most of the money was raised through the sale of popular knitted novelties which were filled with chocolates and sold locally.

Hospice volunteer Beatty Thornthwaite has a busy team of knitters and helpers who get together once a month.

“We made over 3,000 novelties this Christmas and there are very few left!" she said.

"We are really pleased everyone likes them."

To keep up with demand the group knit all year round and use wool donated to the Hospice at Home West Cumbria shops.

“We are already making chicks and hedgehogs to be filled with cream eggs for Easter," said Beatty.

"Some of the group knit the bodies, others add the faces or accessories."

Beatty, 73, set up the group nine years ago. It has raised £41,805 in the past five years.

"We have about 20 at the monthly meetings, there are also lots of people working from home," she said.

"Our oldest knitter is Mavis Godfrey at 88 years young. Although she no longer comes to the meetings as she does Keep Fit at the same time on Mondays."

More and more businesses have approached the group, offering to stock the colourful fundraising goods.

"We have excellent support and people keep buying them - they have become collectors' items!" said Beatty.

"It's such a good fun morning, very sociable. Everyone is welcome, you don't have to be able to knit."

Mildred Forsyth is one of Beatty's latest recruits. Her husband, Walter, died in October 2017 and was supported by Hospice.

"I was keen to give something back. I've know Beatty for years and initially helped out with stickers. I then taught myself to knit using Pinterest. I'm enjoying it but am not sure if they'll get past quality control!" said Mildred.

Elaine Cusack has been in group since it launched.

"It's a great group, it's nice to be doing something constructive and raising funds," she said.

The group meets on the first Monday of the month from 10am to noon at Croft Bowling Club and would welcome new members. For more details call volunteer co-ordinator Teresa McCall on 01900 873173 or pop into the Hospice at Home Shop in Kings Arms Lane.