YARCOMBE Flower Show did not take place last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and so the handicraft section of the show decided to help by creating baby blankets.

The group knitted more than 60 blankets which were donated to the Bracken Birth Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

Hannah Twinney, interim maternity matron - outpatients at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said they were “thankful” for the blankets.

“We are so thankful to everyone from the Yarcombe Flower Show who has knitted such wonderful blankets for our babies born on Bracken Birth Centre,” she said.

“They are absolutely beautiful and are a bright reminder of what a brilliant local community we are a part of.

“Everyone at the birth centre – new parents and staff – have commented on the kindness and creativity of the handicraft section.

"We cannot express our gratitude enough!”

The centre asked for 24 inches square blankets with no holes, so the babies cannot catch their fingers.

The blankets are used to wrap a baby while feeding or nursing, or just as a cover.

The size of the blanket also means it fits well in the hospital cribs.

A spokesperson for Yarcombe Flower Show added: “Bracken Birth Centre like to welcome new babies by giving a gift of a blanket as part of a ‘Welcome Pack’ that they put together for new families, other bits included are a nappy and snack bar for mum along with an information card regarding support in the locality.

“The pattern can be found on the BBC website.

“In excess of 60 blankets were donated, so a massive thank you to all of you who helped this worthy cause.”

Yarcombe Flower Show is set to go ahead in 2021 and is usually held in April.