TINY quilts for premature babies at Airedale Neonatal Unit will be created by patchwork experts at a special quilting session next month.

The Airedale area Linus Project is holding a “quilting bee” to make incubator quilts on May 3 at Cullingworth Village Hall from 10am to 4pm.

The Linus Project is an international charity which provides quilts for sick children and for children in need.

Most of the quilts made by the Airedale group are patchwork and quilted on the sewing machine, although some are donated by hand quilters and a few are knitted or crocheted.

The children and babies are given the quilts to keep and the makers hope that they will provide comfort and cuddles in years to come.

Co-ordinator Alison Hardwick said: “We have already donated many quilts to the neonatal unit and the children’s ward at Airedale Hospital and this is truly an international project.

“We have received donations of quilts from American quilting friends for our Linus Day in May and also one from Australia.

“You do not have to be an experienced quilter to take part as I will teach a simple block to beginners at the beginning of the day and there will be many seasoned quilters to help any who need it.

“We have a fun day with lots of laughs.”

Anyone wishing to take part should Email Alison Hardwick on alison.hardwick@btint ernet.com to book as places are limited – and you will need to bring your own sewing machine.