A GROUP of women knitters in a remote dales village have been reaching out to charities in the North-East.

With their latest fundraising effort, the Busy Fingers group, who meet weekly in Westgate village hall, in Weardale, County Durham, raised £500 to help buy a bladder scanner for Weardale Community Hospital.

This follows the donation of dozens of hand-knitted blankets, hats, jumpers and scarves to the People’s Kitchen charity, which provides meals for the homeless in Newcastle.

Durham County Councillor Anita Savory, who is chairwoman of the Friends of the Weardale Community Hospital, praised the “wonderful effort”. Nearly £7,000 has so far been raised to buy the scanner, which will cost £8,500.

“Although it will be based at the community hospital in Stanhope, the scanner will be available for paramedics to use up and down the dale,” said Coun Savory.

People’s Kitchen was founded by Alison Kay in 1985 when she was 76. Mrs Kay, who was awarded the OBE for her efforts, died ten years ago.

David Hobbs, a trustee at the kitchen, said: “The ladies’ jumpers, hats and scarves are particularly welcome as, sadly, we have been seeing a growing number of women turning to us for help.”

To help the scanner appeal contact the hospital on 01388-528233.