A GROUP of kind-hearted carers are putting their knitting skills to good use by making a special gift for people with dementia.

Twiddle muffs are a knitted band with attachments on both the outside and inside which includes embellishments such as ribbons, beads and zips.

The creation was designed to help combat restlessness and agitation in dementia patients by keeping their hands busy as well as stimulating the mind.

Sue Lawton, the founder of Carers U Knitted, from Bewsey Way, said: "The group has been knitting together since last year and we are always looking for new ideas.

"I saw an article in the Warrington Guardian that said the hospital was looking for knitters to make these twiddle muffs. We have made about 60 so far."

The group of full-time carers have become firm friends since the group starred in October 2012 and see their knitting time as therapeutic.

Diane Thompson, who carers for her daughter and husband, from Callands, said: "It's a chance for us all to relax. We all have a gossip and support each other."

Alison Lynch, associate director of nursing at Warrington and Halton Hospital, spoke about the impact something so simple can have on people's lives.

Alison said: "One time, there was a man who had dementia in the hospital who had had a tracheostomy and he kept pulling out his tube.

“When he was given a twiddle muff, he never touched it again and it was emotional for me to see him just relax.”

Carers U Knitted is a drop-in session which takes place every Wednesday at 10am to 2pm at the WIRED office on Sankey Street.