A Wellington woman who has been making face coverings for charity since the Covid-19 pandemic started, has now raised nearly £2,400.

As the WWN reported last month, Jeanette Bird started by making a few masks for her family but, as requests grew, she decided to try and raise a few pounds for St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice.

Word spread fast about her charity efforts and she has become increasingly busy, now launching a range of new designs and styles for Christmas.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support,” said Jeanette, a machinist at local bedding firm Reylon for 45 years until her retirement in 2017. I’m particularly grateful to Tim Potter Butchers in Fore Street, who have been selling the masks from the start.”

Jeanette has now raised more than £2,000 for the hospice but has also donated £360 to the Royal British Legion from poppy masks she sold in the run-up to Remembrance.

“I’ve now built up my stock and the Christmas masks are proving particularly popular – some people buying ten or 12 at a time,” she added. “I’m not going to set any more fundraising targets – I’ll just keep going until the day, hopefully not too far away, when we’re told we no longer need to wear masks. Then, perhaps, I’ll make some charity bunting so we can all have a giant street party!”

The masks cost £3 each and can be ordered by phoning Jeanette on 01823 661697.