A KNITTING circle at the retirement facility Rye Court in Helmsley has raised £320 for the town’s community library.

The Rye Court Knitters set their needles to work creating socks, cuddly toys, hats, gloves and children’s clothing, which they then sold to raise funds for the voluntary organisation. A cheque for the donation was handed over to representatives from the library who visited Rye Court.

Jeanne Brown, who chairs the Helmsley Community Library Steering Group and trustees, said: “We were absolutely over the moon to receive this generous donation, and very touched at all the hard work which went into creating the wonderful knitted items to sell.

“The library wouldn’t still be here today without the local community getting behind it and volunteering or donating as they are able.”

Jackie Allen, a resident at Rye Court who organised the sale, said: “Books open up a world of learning, escapism, adventure and helps to recall long forgotten happy memories. Many of our residents are unable to visit the library, and their excellent delivery service is second to none. What else could we do but help raise funds for this valuable service.”