Pulling the wool over penguins'eyes

Some 20 keen women in the group knitted 61 jumpers for the black and white mammals.

The woollies will keep penguins caught in oil spills warm after they have been washed. The washing removes the natural oils which protect their bodies.

Group treasurer Beryl Hows said they had spent February on their '˜knitahon'. 'It's been good fun. We could make one of the jumpers in an evening.

'We all thought it was a hoax when one of our members, Audrey Scott, came in and told us about the jumpers. It was such an unusual idea,' she stated.

The 8-inch high and 4-inch wide warm-weather clothing has been made in orange, blue, pink and red among other colours to provide plenty of brightness.

The penguins wear the jumpers while they go swimming to keep them cosy and absorb harmful toxins. The wool eventually dissolves by which time the birds' oil has returned. The jumpers are being sent to the Good Gifts Catalogue which will distribute them.

The arts group of the 39-strong club entered into the penguin spirit by drawing or painting the birds.

'We meet on Friday afternoons at West Meads Community Centre where we spend a couple of hours working on a variety of skills including cross stitch, knitting, embroidery, painting, patchwork, drawing and quilting.

'Each member works at her own pace and we draw inspiration and guidance from each other,' said Mrs Scott.

The group celebrated the end of their penguin sessions with a cup of tea and a Penguin biscuit.

A number of charities have been previously supported such as The Chestnut Tree House children's hospice, St Richard's Hospital premature baby unit and BBC Children in Need. The next campaign is in aid of The Lifespring Foundation (Africa) with funds raised at the group's summer fete on June 2. Among the items on sale will be the penguin artwork.