KIND-hearted knitters have started a campaign to create handmade blankets for charity.

The Big Blanket Campaign in Ringwood raises money and creates blankets for small local charities and good causes without any cost.

The initiative takes place at the Indoor Craft and Produce Market in Ringwood every week, with an appeal for knitters to make squares or donate wool or knitting needles.

These squares will then be joined to make blankets of various sizes from dolls blankets to adult knee covers.

Organiser Sylvia Gray said: “As the blankets are stitched and ready to go, and local causes can select their requirements.

“Any special blankets with patterned squares will be sold at the end of the year and the profits divided between charities.

“We need knitters to bring their squares to the market on Tuesday and wool will be available to collect for people to use for this purpose.”

The Fabric Shop in Ringwood is also acting as a donation point.

Sylvia added: “In this time of recession, charities, especially small local causes, are finding fundraising very difficult and this is a way of helping without money being involved.

“Anyone who can knit well and wishes to make a baby blanket or a throw we would love to hear from.”

The indoor market is open on Tuesdays from 10am-12.30pm at Greyfriars Activity Centre, next to Ringwood Library.

Knitting groups are also welcome to take part with the Ringwood Library Knit and Knatter group already participating by making a double bed patchwork blanket.

For more details contact Sylvia Gray on 01725 517427.