A club that knits new friendships as well as clothes raised cash for a children’s hospice – one stitch at a time.

Members of the knitting club, which meets at the Dugdale Centre, in London Road, Enfield, were “astounded” when they discovered they had raised £500 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

The club, which was launched two years ago, has raised a total of £1,000 for the Barnet-based charity since Easter 2014.

Liz Gilbert, who runs the club, said: “We are over the moon but we couldn’t have done this without the generosity of people donating wool for us. We’re proud to have raised this money.

“The club is win-win because it brings lots of ladies together who live on their own, and gives them the chance to chat and make friends.”

Each session costs 50p but those who knit items for charity are entitled to claim free wool.

Members knit clothes for children between six months and seven years old and Mrs Gilbert, a retired property manager, sells them on at fairs.

The group has also raised £375 for the Over 50s forum in Enfield.

The club meets every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm and every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For more information call Liz Gilbert on 0208 360 7386.