An exhibition of quilts and textile pieces from across England reflecting life during the pandemic and the importance of maintaining a public healthcare system open to all has opened in Milverton.

Threads of Survival, which is showing at Milverton parish church until April 9 between 12pm and 4pm, has over 20 quilts from 140 makers across the country.

Ingrid Hesling from Milverton, who was a participant in the quilt making, said the makers met regularly by video call between August 2020 and the summer of 2021.

“We explored textile skills, quilting methods, artistic styles, symbolism, colours and how art can communicate difficult subjects.”

The touring exhibition was launched at the British Textile Biennale at Gawthorpe Hall last year.