A Weymouth teacher has shown her support for frontline workers during lockdown by producing scrub bags, headbands and over 500 face masks.

The decision by Emma Cartwright to step forward and help has seen her raise more than £1,000 which she has donated to Dorset charity Weldmar Hospicecare.

Mrs Cartwright, who is head of art and design at Budmouth Academy in Weymouth and a mother of four, initially only set out to produce face masks for herself and her family.

However, shortly after she posted images of her efforts on her Facebook page, Mrs Cartwright started to see a steady rise in requests for masks, scrub bags and headbands.

An array of workers including NHS and care home staff, supermarket employees, teachers and cleaners have all been happy to pay a voluntary minimum £2 donation for the masks she has produced.

Mrs Cartwright made the scrubs bags and headbands for free for NHS staff and also donated 30 masks at no cost.

Reflecting on her efforts over the last 12 weeks of lockdown as the country battled coronavirus, Mrs Cartwright said: "Producing the items has made me feel like I have contributed towards helping my local community during lockdown – I’ve been able to give a little back.

"It’s obviously an anxious time and sewing has helped to take my mind off things and has been therapeutic.

"The items were produced in my spare time as I’m still teaching but my husband has been pleased to see the fabric stash in the house get smaller."

Weldmar Hospicecare provides specialist end of life care for people living in Dorset. Only 21 per cent of the charity's funds are provided by the NHS – the rest is raised thanks to the support of the local community.

Mrs Cartwright added: "The charity shops that help to raise funds for the hospice have been shut due to coronavirus and an important source of income has been lost. I’m pleased the money raised from sales is going to such a good cause."

David Herbert, principal at Budmouth Academy, said: "In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis we have seen some really uplifting examples of the human spirit helping others. I am very proud of Emma and her achievements in providing a much needed resource and raising money for a wonderful organization. She is a terrific role model.’’