A group of pensioners have decided to start knitting clothes for premature babies.

Residents of Macfadyen Webb House, one of Howard Cottage’s sheltered housing schemes in Letchworth GC, have started a new project to knit clothes for babies born prematurely at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

The group, called Knit and Natter, were inspired to take up the challenge after knitting blankets for children born overseas last year who are in poverty, and have now turned their attention closer to home.

Member Diane Fidock said: “We all got together on a Monday afternoon and knitted like mad. Our boxload of knitting was shipped abroad by the Red Cross in December.

“Then, one of the group suggested we knit some outfits for the premature baby unit at Lister.

“She had sent them some items previously and said the staff were very grateful to receive them. Also it’s so nice to be able to support a cause that’s close to where we live.”

The group are currently in talks with staff at the hospital about what kind of materials can be safely used for baby clothes.

A spokesman for the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs Lister Hospital, said: “We are very grateful for the group’s support and have put them in touch with the neonatal team at Lister so that they can agree what is needed.”