IT was the Daily Echo appeal calling for cuddly octopus toys that led to so many donations from across the world, the hospital was inundated.

But Poole Hospital's neonatal unit will accept one more bumper donation of creature comforts for its premature babies.

Grandma of-five Nicola Smith has dedicated hours to knitting 36 octopus toys and a further 40 knitted premature baby hats for the unit while she has been recovering from a serious back operation in January.

Nicola, who has five children, sprung into action after reading the Daily Echo appeal calling for the creatures which remind premature babies of being in the womb but became worried when the hospital said they had enough donations for a year and did not need anymore.

The 49-year-old from Turlin Moor, Poole, whose granddaughter spent time in the neonatal ward, said: "I wanted to help because the babies are just so tiny and vulnerable so I started knitting away and began filling up a bin bag. I couldn't believe it when the neighbour showed me just how popular the appeal was and I was wondering where I'd take them all. I panicked! I'm relieved they are going to accept them and hopefully they will make a difference.”

Daniel Lockyer, matron of neonatal services said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our appeal for crochet octopi and the international media attention it has brought.

“We’ve now received more than 200 octopi – a year’s supply – ready and waiting for our little patients, so we’re not looking for any more for the time being. Parents are telling us their babies seem calmer with an octopi friend to keep them company so we’re looking forward to continuing with the project in the future.”