A PERSHORE project making bags for nurses has taken off in a big way.

Already volunteers working on home sewing machines have created 325 bags for nurses to take dirty uniforms safely home for washing using a washable bag. Larger bags are needed for ambulance uniforms.

Organiser Karen Collins said: "I can't believe the number of people wanting to help – and there's a huge increase in demand from nurses, ambulance people and care homes.

"To date we've made and sent off 323 nurses bags, 18 ambulance bags and 11 headbands involving many helpers and groups such as Pershore Embroidery Guild, the WI and PTA groups.

"They have gone to Worcester, Redditch and Droitwich Hospitals, as well as 14 bags to a care home."

A surprising new request has been for headbands, worn when facemasks are used. The bands provide padding where, during a long nursing spell, mask elastic cuts into the ears.

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Finished nurses bags are no smaller than 30 inches by 12 inches, sewn with a double drawstring top, and made of a washable material. Ambulance bags are full pillowcase size.

On Facebook a group has been set up, Sew, Knit and Crochet for the NHS, where patterns and information are supplied to the growing number of sewing, knitting and crochet volunteers. They are making preemie hats and blankets for dementia patients, fudget mats and muffs, lap blankets for care homes and hospitals for elderly. Knitted and crochet items are stored to be handed over once the virus has abated as current stocks will be soiled or run out.

For more information, call Karen Collins on 01386 556015 or visit the group's Facebook page.