Knitted squares bound for Africa

THE hard work of more than 500 North Devon Hospice knitters is set to make a big difference in poverty-stricken rural Africa. Hundreds of knitted squares created during February s Great North Devon Knit In are being shipped to the Kira Farm project in Uga

THE hard work of more than 500 North Devon Hospice knitters is set to make a big difference in poverty-stricken rural Africa.

Hundreds of knitted squares created during February's Great North Devon Knit In are being shipped to the Kira Farm project in Uganda, a training centre being built by Barnstaple-based charity Amigos.

Amigos' Phil Pugsley said: "Material like this is fantastic for us because we can ship it to places like Kira Farm, where it can be made into blankets for the children over there.

"The great thing about this material being in squares is that it doesn't get taxed because it is classed as packaging. We applied a similar principle when working with 'Tools With a Mission', which proved hugely successful."

This year's North Devon Hospice knit-in featured more than 70 individual events and knitted squares will also be donated to other charities including Dogs' Trust and Age Concern.

North Devon Hospice's community fund-raiser Rebecca Worth, said: "Thank you so much to everyone who took part. You have helped to make a difference in so many ways.