IF the infants at Great Western Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit could speak, they would be saying a huge thank you to one Swindon knitting circle.

The babies have all benefited from a whole heap of jumpers, hats, and blankets all knitted by Swindon Mind's needlecraft group.

The group, which meets every Friday and has 12 members, is run by one of Mind's volunteers, June Stewart.

She said: "The group has been going for about six years and we just thought it would be nice to actually have a charitable purpose to our needlecraft sessions.

"Thanks to all the hard work of our members, especially Jean Matthews, who made the largest contribution, we were able to present the hospital with about two dozen blankets, and the same number of baby hats, and jumpers.

"For Mind users, the needlecraft group is very beneficial.

"It is a way that they can focus their energies on, creating something positive and really showing their talents.

"We have male members as well as female, and we are all quite close-knit, if you'll excuse the pun."

Members of the group were shown around the unit to see how their donation would be put to good use.

Great Western Hospital spokesman Chris Birdsall said: "It is always gratifying to hear how different groups in the town have worked hard to provide help for the hospital.

"We appreciate the donation very much and can only praise the people who have put this together."

Swindon Mind, which is based in Regent Circus, is a charitable organisation which provides help and support for people with mental health issues in the town.