PATIENTS have used their knitting skills to help Romanian orphans.

Women from the Friary Community Hospital in Richmond knitted blankets while male patients filled shoeboxes with an assortment of gifts.

Barbara Healy, healthcare assistant at the hospital, said: "The ladies began knitting for hand exercise and decided to knit blankets which they would like to go to the children.

"To their credit, they have produced some lovely blankets, and it is nice to know they will go to a good home."

The blankets and boxes will go towards the New Life for Romania appeal.

Chris Clay, senior charge nurse at the Friary, said: "As other people got to know what was going on, we received more and more donations from staff and friends.

"In total, we will be sending approximately 30 boxes and 15 blankets from the day unit here at the Friary.