A CRAFT group has made dozens of knitted hats for a hospital’s baby unit.

Manningtree’s Craft and Knitting Club is based in the town’s library and run by Anne Robinson and Patricia Barker.

Members of the group have made about 60 hats of different colours and knit designs to give to the baby unit at Colchester Hospital.

But Anne said the library is vital for the group and hopes it will survive the looming threat of closure so the group can continue helping the hospital.

She said: “We have made hats for the baby unit at Colchester Hospital.

“We need to try and keep the library open to continue the group.”

The group runs every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm at the library, in High Street.

On average there are seven to eight people who come to the group in each session.

Anne added: “The group is helping to keep the library open and and if it was closed we would not be able to create hats for the babies.

“We make the hats for premature babies at the unit, and babies about to leave the hospital.

“I got the idea after my granddaughter came home from hospital with a knitted hat on.

“So far we have made about 60 hats all of different colours and we are helping the maternity ward.”

Anne said it offers retired people a reason to get out and about.

A young people’s protest march to keep Manningtree Library open is being held on April 27.

It will see those taking part dressed as book characters with musical instruments.