Premature babies in Bradford will be kept warm, thanks to the work of a knitting club at Dixons Allerton Academy and staff at the School of Health Studies at Bradford University.

Julie Hodgson, clinical support officer at the School of Health Studies, was the first to start knitting hats and blankets with colleague Karen Hara.

She said: “My daughter works as a staff nurse at the unit, and she mentioned to me that more blankets and hats were needed for the babies. We asked our colleagues to donate spare wool, and this request also brought more knitters on board.”

When staff and students at Dixons Allerton Academy visited the School of Health Studies earlier this year as part of their A-Level Health and Social Care studies, they were also inspired by the knitting bug.

Teacher Angela Gordon said: “I asked for a pattern to do some myself but thought it might be a good idea if I could get pupils and staff involved.”

The club has produced 154 hats, 18 blankets, seven sets of booties and mittens, seven cardigans and a dress.

“The response has been phenomenal and we are very proud,” said Miss Gordon.

Sarah Szpara, matron of the unit, said, “We are very pleased with the donation of hats, blankets and baby clothes.”