DOZENS of tiny hats, booties and cardigans are on their way to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, one of the nominated charities of Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Marcia Hill.

The clothing in a range of colours has been donated by people from all over the borough and beyond in response to an appeal from Cllr Hill.

They knitted and crocheted the items to fit premature babies as well as some for older babies needing specialist care. Others not able to make clothing themselves have donated wool instead.

Cllr Hill said: “I chose the special care baby unit as one of my charities for the year because it’s a place close to my heart and those of many people in Taunton Deane.

“It’s a cause that people can help in a personal way by knitting or crocheting items of clothing knowing they will be of physical comfort.

“It is also easier sometimes for people to donate a ball or two of wool and feel they have contributed without feeling under pressure to give money.”

Cllr Hill will present the items to Sue Fulker, manager for the Somerset Neonatal Unit at Musgrove‚ a specialised ward for the treatment of premature and sick newborn babies.

Mrs Fulker said: “We are very grateful for this fantastic donation of clothes and hats for babies on our neonatal intensive care unit, as they are something we are always in great need of.

“Babies on the unit are often born unexpectedly, meaning their families have not had chance to prepare for their arrival with clothes.

“They are often much smaller than the clothing sizes you can buy in shops, so smaller hand-made items are perfect to help us ensure we can keep them warm in the

first few days and weeks of their lives.”