RESIDENTS of a Monmouth sheltered housing community have been busy putting their knitting skills to use for a good cause.

The knitting circle at Hammett Court has been knitting hats and blankets for young children around the world known as 'Fish and Chip Babies'. The babies are given these names because they are wrapped in newspaper when they are born due to having no clothes to wear.

The residents started their knitting circle six months ago and the idea of knitting the hats and blankets was suggested by a friend. Since then many blankets and hats in numerous colours have been made, with demand meaning the group are continuing to knit more each time they meet.

Resident Beryl Sylvester said: "Knitting the hats and blankets for children around the world has been a pleasure. We have spoken many times that our knitting circle now has garments across the world and it's really pleasing to help those less fortunate than us. The work goes on though as the demand has been growing each week and we will continue to knit for the 'Fish and Chip' babies as long as we are needed."

The knitting circle has bought much of the wool it has used, however it would really welcome donations of wool to help them carry on knitting the hats and blankets. To donate contact the warden at Hammett Court on 01600 716345.