KNITTER Jennifer Bailey is aiming to use her craft skills to raise £1,000 for a cause close to her heart.

Jennifer, of Ilminster, has knitted 6,220 stitches, sewn and stuffed arms, legs, head and body to create a teddy bear.

It is now in Mikes of Ilminster, in Silver Street, where for £2 people can select one of 100 names.

When all the names have been chosen, a sealed envelope will be opened revealing the bear’s name.

The bear will then go to live with whoever chose the correct name.

The money raised will fund the refurbishment of a room at Vaughan Lee House, a residential care home in Ilminster for older people, run as a non-profit making charity. As sponsor, Jennifer will be able to name the room.

She said: “It’s a good place and we have friends there who are very well cared for, so I decided to do some fundraising for it.

“Since I’ve been a knitter for some 60 years, using my hobby seems a good way to do it.”

Jennifer’s bear is made from a vintage pattern, dating back 70 years or more.

She added: “A couple of years ago, a friend asked me to restore a bear which his granny had made for him in the mid- to late fifties.

“By chance I came across a vintage pattern online, immediately recognised the bear I was restoring and got the pattern.

“It’s beautifully shaped, as are many vintage animal patterns, and I started making bears. They look wonderful in any yarn from thin four-ply patterned sock yarn to thick Aran yarn.

“I’ve lost count how many I’ve done. I currently have orders for ten which I’m working on.”

Jennifer is also making small mice, which are available in Vaughan Lee House.

She will also be at the charity Christmas card and gift sale at Ilminster Arts Centre at the Meeting House on Friday, October 24, from 10am-3pm with knitted and crocheted items for sale.