Doll maker Jean Parminter with Bailey's Caf owner John Sammons and waitress Christine Summerscale with a collection of the soft toys made by the Knitter Natters for sale in the cafe

A group of York friends are doing their best to have our Hospice 2000 Appeal well and truly stitched up. The Knitter Natters - a group of women who enjoy combining knitting and chatting - have raised £1,000 for the St Leonard's Hospice Appeal by selling the dolls, teddies and special Christmas toys they make.

They were among the first supporters of the appeal when it was first launched in October 1998, and over a year on they are still clicking away for the hospice.

The 13-strong group was first set up 13 years ago by Marjorie York, who was later a patient in the hospice. They now meet fortnightly to knit and chat and have created an extensive range of knitted toys which are sold by Baileys caf and tea room in Museum Street.

Group member Jean Parminter said: "We are astounded at how much we have raised and so grateful to the staff at Baileys who work very hard to sell the toys.

"They were really excited when they rang to tell us that we had reached £1,000. John Sammons, who with his wife Carol took over Baileys three-and-a-half years ago, said: "When Jean asked us if we would be prepared to keep selling their work we had no hesitation in saying yes. The hospice does such a good job. Members of staff have had friends and family cared for there and we wanted to help the Knitter Natters in their work for the appeal." The group has created a special Christmas line on Father Christmases, snowmen and angels. Hospice fundraising organiser Janet Morley said: "The Knitter Natters have a real production line going! We are very grateful to them for their hard work and to the team at baileys for their support."

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