A Reepham craft club has donated a handmade quilt which will help raise funds for a Norfolk hospice.

The item was made by the Busy Fingers group, which meets every two weeks at Ewing Close Community Centre in Reepham, and was donated to the East Anglia's Children's Hospice (EACH) in Quidenham, near Attleborough.

Work started on the intricate Japanese patchwork quilt in March this year and finished in September. Some 12 members of the group completed individual sections before it was put together.

The donation, which also included a pillowcase from the same material, will be auctioned off by the Quidenham hospice around Christmas time to raise funds for the charity.

Jean Thomson, from Reepham, who is a member of the group, said: 'It was a joint effort. We all worked hard to get it done.'

The 10 members of Busy Fingers, who presented the quilt to the hospice, were given a tour of the building.

Mrs Thomson added: 'You couldn't wish for a nicer place. The things which they do for the children are wonderful.'

Quidenham hospice provides emotional and practical support for families who are caring for children with life limiting, or life-threatening illnesses.

Claire LeLievre, Norfolk fundraiser for EACH, said: 'We are thrilled that the Busy Fingers Craft Group thought of EACH when making their quilt and we are so thankful to them for donating it to us.'

Each year the Busy Fingers group, which has been in existence for 15 years, choose a charity and make items for that cause.

The group made 40 heart-shaped cushions last year and the year before that for patients on the breast cancer unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

For more information about the Busy Fingers craft club ring Mrs Thomson on 01603 879660.