AVID knitter Julie Johns will be spreading a little warmth over the festive period.

The member of Newton Abbot Knit and Natter took it upon herself to knit some mittens for isolated, elderly and homeless people.

She made 50 pairs of gloves and enlisted the help of councillor Judy Grainger who assisted her in distributing the fingerless pieces of clothing.

Cllr Grainger has arranged for half the mittens to be handed out by patient group KingsCare and Teignbridge Homeless Action Today, a food bank based in Newton Abbot.

‘Finding a way to distribute these 50 thoughtful and practical presents was a challenge I was pleased to accept’, said Cllr Grainger, pictured left with Julie Johns.

‘Julie’s generosity of spirit will, I am sure, be much appreciated as the weather gets colder’, she added.

Maggie Bonnell from KingsCare said: ‘It was a lovely surprise to receive Judy’s email asking us to get involved.

‘Most of our work is with the elderly and it will be a real pleasure to hand these out to them.’

Linda Woolridge from the food bank said: ‘A wonderful lady has made a huge effort to knit 25 pairs of mittens for us at the food bank.

‘The winter is predicted to be very cold so our homeless claimants in particular will be grateful.’