CARING knitters have charitable giving all sewn up.

A Carers' Resource knitting group and members of Lees Methodist Church have produced around 50 'twiddlemuffs' to help dementia patients at Airedale Hospital.

The effort was in response to an appeal by bosses at the hospital, who were asking volunteers to knit more of the brightly coloured muffs.

The items, which provide an eye-catching distraction for patients, have been piloted on Ward 9 and proved a huge success.

Carers' Resource development worker, Sarah Baker, said: "Twiddlemuffs are knitted bands with various trimmings on the outside and inside and can include ribbons, beads, buttons and zips.

"They provide simple stimulation for hands and have proved useful for patients living with dementia, who are often restless and need reassurance and something to do with their hands.

"We are grateful to both knitting groups for creating them."