Keen knitter Vera Benney has turned her talent with yarn into a money spinner for charity.

The 93-year-old, of Avon Court care home, in Rowden Hill, Chippenham, has raised an impressive £1,500 for charity by knitting and selling woollen items to fellow residents, visitors and staff.

Having always enjoyed knitting, Vera thought she would put her skills to good use to make items like baby hats and blankets.

All the wool is donated by people in the local community.

She started when she moved to the home in May 2021 and earlier this month she handed over £500, her latest earnings to Julia's House children's hospice.

It wasn't the first donation either. Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Alzheimer's Society have both benefited to the tune of £500 each from her creative skills.

The charities were all chosen by Vera and her daughter Anne Fernandes, who also regularly helps Vera with her knitting.

Each item can take a couple of days to finish but a blanket takes around a week.She then spreads the items out in her room every day so people can browse and buy if they wish.

She said: “I was getting so many donations of wool that I needed to use it!”

Kerry Edney from Julia’s House thanked her for her efforts and described them as a fantastic achievement.

Linda Neate, senior wellbeing co-ordinator at the home, said: “ I get to spend a lot of time with Vera and see the huge effort she puts into her knitting. I, as everyone here at Avon Court, am very proud of her.”

The home's deputy manager Deborah Curtis added: “Vera has worked very hard to raise money for charity and we are all proud of her.”

Julia’s House has invited residents and staff from Avon Court to its open day on March 15.