Older people in Hainworth Wood are Yankee Doodle handy when it comes to keeping fellow residents warm!

They are making woollen blankets and clothing for pensioners and babies using a special American technique.

Rather than knitting or sewing, they are able to create shawls and blankets by tying together pieces of fleece.

The project involves several members of the DART social group for over-50s, which meets at the Hainworth Wood Community Centre on Thursdays.

District councillor Doreen Lee, whose ward includes Hainworth Wood, picked up the technique while visiting her daughter in Chicago. She applied for a grant from Bradford Council’s Community Chest to buy pieces of fleece from Keighley market.

Coun Lee said: “I think it’s fabulous – especially for people who don’t know how to sew.

“We’re making blankets and shawls, which we intend to give to residents around Hainworth Wood.”

Coun Lee plans to go into St Anne’s Primary School to show the children how to make items using the ‘no-sew’ technique.

She also wants people to contact the centre – by calling 01535 602932 – to ask about joining in the classes.

Coun Malcolm Slater, above, tries out the blankets with Coun Lee, right, and Betty Cartwright, left, with Sonia Evers, of the Hainworth Wood Community Centre.