A mountain of goodwill was revealed as bag after bag of natty knits piled up on tables and chairs in a Poole hall.

The cascade of colours was the result of only one years knitting by 50 people across East Dorset.

Every bag emptied at the Old Rope Walk in Hamworthy revealed a rainbow of hats, scarves, mitts, jumpers, blankets and hand-puppets.

And every item lovingly made will go to Eastern European countries to help children in need and in poverty.

Janet Hemsley, 72, from Broadstone, knitting organiser of the Dorset East branch of Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, was handing over her last wool mountain after eight years organising the knitters.

“Each year there has been more as more knitters come on board,” she said.

“We do everything except stuffed toys as the border guards think we are smuggling. I never sit down and watch TV without knitting in my hand.”

She said it was good for people with arthritis to keep their hands flexible and although she was stepping down as organiser her knitting needles would keep clicking.

Peter and Eileen Ivermee from Samaritan’s Purse, a charity which provides international relief, were delighted with the haul.

“It’s fantastic,” said Peter. And all will be going to help children in former soviet countries.

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, who attended the handover said she was very impressed by the knitters.

“Having visited an orphanage in Moldova I know how much these are going to be appreciated,” she said.

Marion Oliver is taking over as organiser and RSVP is keen to recruit more busy knitters. For more information contact Mrs Hemsley on 01202 694186.