KNITTERS are wanted to create puppets to give to children spending time in Warrington Hospital.

Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity is appealing for residents to knit hand puppets to give to children on its wards as part of the Knit for Hal campaign, named after the hospital’s knitted mascot Hal.

The charity is hoping to give one puppet to every child that comes through its doors seeking treatment – around 30,000 per year.

Among the leading knitters is the hospital’s bereavement and facilities officer Jo White, who recently finished her 204th hand puppet.

She said: “I became involved with the Knit for Hal project as I felt it was a fabulous way to ensure all children accessing the hospital’s services have a positive experience.

“The project has also provided me with a personal challenge to find stitch patterns and motifs to make each bear different.”

Charity fundraising manager Helen Higginson added: “I know that 30,000 is a huge ask but I believe that with the support of our local communities, together we can make an amazing difference to these children.”

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