A COMMITTED knitter from Chard has spent hundreds of painstaking hours in a bid to raise vital funds for an animal sanctuary.

Gwen Furner, 89, decided that she wanted to do her bit for Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary and raise some much-needed money in the process.

Gwen, who has always been a fond fan of knitting, decided to put her skills to the test and create a whole host of colourful donkeys.

She now hopes that she will be able to raise more than £100 for the care centre.

She said: “I am a great knitter. I have always knitted for families, and now I knit for charity,” Gwen said.

“I knit baby clothes for the St Margaret’s Hospice shop as well if they have got the right wool, and I have taken orders through the charity shop.

“Sometimes they will pass the wool on knowing they get it back as a knitted garment. It might encourage a few more people to pick up their needles for charity.

“I have money to keep myself going so I don’t charge charge. A bunch of flowers and a nice card will suffice. I do it for pleasure.

“Last year I knitted for the donkey sanctuary. They can sell these things, and last year I think they were about about £7.99 each.

“I just enjoy knitting.”

The multi-coloured creations have been sent off to Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, which is part of the Donkey Sanctuary, which was established in 1969.

A spokesman for Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary said: “The Donkey Sanctuary relies entirely upon its supporters in order to help improve the lives of donkeys and mules around the globe.

“Gwen is an incredible example of how dedication and a passion for animal welfare can make a difference on an individual level, and her support really is appreciated.”

The woolly donkeys are now available to purchase through the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary for donkeyworld.org.uk.

For more information on the work of the sanctuary, visit thedonkey sanctuary.org.uk.