MEMBERS of a local knitting group are appealing for donations to help distribute their work across the borough.

Penistone Knitting Group are an online group of more than 250 knitters that help to make mask extenders for local hospitals and care homes as well as for every member of staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

This year, the group has helped to make more than 30,000 items which have been distributed across the country.

However, due to the impact of the virus, the group is reliant on the Post Office to be able to send the mask extenders out, and the group's founder, Sheryll Dixon has created a Just Giving appeal to help raise funds to cover shipping costs.

“Before the virus I would deliver items to care home and hospitals myself,” she said. “However I can no longer do that so I am relying on the Post Office.

“I am trying to get £500 together which will help cover costs for the next few months so that we can continue to keep knitting.”

The money will also be used to deliver the 100 medals the group was awarded as part of the Barnsley Spirit awards.

“I decided to give the medals the the 100 people who have helped to knit the most during these past few months,” added Sheryll. “It's been really nice to be recognised and I think it has given the knitters a great boost.

“I am really proud of all the knitters and what they have achieved.”

So far more than £300 has been raised.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.