AN INDUSTRIOUS group of knitters in Dorchester have done their bit for Dorchester’s Poppy Appeal.

The Knit and Natter group at Sandringham Court has been busy knitting poppies for the Royal British Legion and has more than doubled the amount it raised last year.

The group started in October 2013 and how has 14 ladies whose ages range from 50 to 92.

It meets twice a week in Sandringham Court’s communal hall, with much of its efforts going to charitable causes.

The group knits dog coats for Margaret Green Animal Rescue, baby blankets for the Women’s Refuge and SANDS, jumpers for ‘fish and chip babies’, toy donkeys for the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, cat blankets for the RSPCA centre at Kingston Maurward, items for the Royal Voluntary Service, toys to Bus2Go, forget-me-nots for Dementia UK and twiddle blankets and muffs for people suffering from dementia.

Last year the group’s knitted poppies made a total of £260 for the Royal British Legion and this year the hard work of half a dozen ladies saw the total rise to £673.12.

The poppies were sold for a minimum donation of £1.

Sheila Burton from the group said: “Thanks must also go to Steve and Geraldine from Jesters Café in Trinity Street for selling them for us again, and of course to everyone who bought one.”

Anyone interested in joining the group is welcome to come along and they do not need to come every session.

There is no charge and there are tea and biscuits available as well as a raffle.

For more information call 01305 268381.