NIMBLE-fingered quilters have raised hundreds of pounds for children with special needs, disabilities and illnesses.

The Poppy Down Quilters raised £1,198 for Hop Skip and Jump with a fundraising day in Royal Wootton Bassett last month.

The group, which has 38 members, used to meet in the charity’s home at the Shaw Ridge Community Centre, so they decided to help the children there.

Christine Neville, a member of the Poppy Down Quilters committee, said: “We have a sewing day once a year and we find a local charity to raise money for.

“Hop Skip and Jump is in the hall that we used to meet in and we decided that would be the charity we would go for.”

The group made bags for raffle prizes, which helped to raise £200, and also sold copies of patchwork and quilting magazines. They also had a tombola stall, with prizes they had made themselves.

Hop Skip and Jump caters for children with special needs and provide unique, supervised and vital day care and respite with support for parents and carers.

The Foundation’s Hop Skip and Jump centres provide play and support for children with a disability, life threatening illness, or any special need.

For more information about the charity call 01793 977175.