Not sure that will fit Lee…

Handcrafted knitwear has been made for premature babies in Preston’s hospital.

Made by a knitting group at the University of Central Lancashire’s city centre shop they delivered them in time for Christmas.

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Hats, booties, mittens, cardigans and blankets have all been knitted and more than 200 items were made.

Enid Bosworth from Ribbleton was one of the knitting group who took the wooly items into Royal Preston Hospital.

She said: “We are really pleased that they Matron and her team appreciate all that we’ve done. We all feel very special and privileged to have been able to personally deliver the baby items and meet the nursing team.”

Staff from Royal Preston Hospital’s neonatal unit were on hand to receive the knitting.

Neonatal Sister Becky Esslemont, Neonatal Senior Sister Mel Gwilt, Neonatal Matron Jo Smith, UCLan’s Engagement and Outreach Officer Lee Macneall, and knitters Enid Bosworth, Olive Appleby and Pat Morris.

Matron of the neonatal unit Jo Smith said: “It’s really generous and very much appreciated. It’s a lot of hard work and it’s very heart-warming that the volunteers have given up their own time to help. Some of the families can’t get out to buy clothes for their very sick and premature babies so to be able to pick up some donated knitted items is lovely.”

Read more: How these Preston children are having a better Christmas

Lee Macneall who runs the InTheCity shop for UCLan said: “Knitting for premature babies struck a chord with some of the ladies as some of their close family members have utilised the services provided from neonatal wards. It’s a great project to have been involved in and it’s one the volunteers have loved so much that they have decided to continue their knitting ventures way into the New Year.

“The group is extremely passionate in what they do and take pride in creating these mini creations. I think it’s very inspirational for the group to want to continue their knitting journey. Not only do they knit for charity, but also are willing to teach people how to knit. I love coming into work at the start of the week knowing I’ll be running the knitting club, attending this session would make anyone smile.”

The knitting session runs at the UCLan shop in the St George’s Shopping Centre’s Lune Street incident on Mondays from 1pm to 3pm.