OKEHAMPTON Covid Sewing Team has produced more than 4,500 pieces of personal protective equipment, all for the local community, since the outbreak of coronavirus.

The team of volunteer sewers and supporters produced the items and delivered them free of charge to residents and medical and care organisations.

The project was initiated and lead by Christine Munkenbeck, an avid crafter and community activity supporter.

Christine said: ‘As lockdown started I could not imagine sitting around idle and I realised that there would be a demand for scrubs. I contacted some local friends who I knew would be interested in joining me in my venture and we quickly became remarkably busy.’

So far, the team has produced 3,427 masks, 760 mask hitch bands, 1,026 laundry bags for medical staff and 250 sets of scrubs.

‘As word got out more sewers and helpers joined the team and we had a total of around 40 people involved,’ added Christine.

‘We were truly fortunate to have the support of Sue Kendal of Sooz, who provided materials and Okehampton United Charities and Okehampton Town Council who provided funding. Additional funding came from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and a fundraising campaign through Gofundme.

‘The day that the Government announced that face coverings would have to be worn in shops, we received over 200 orders,’ she said.. ‘For an experienced seamstress it takes around 11 minutes to make one mask, which are washable.’

The group is no longer delivering to homes — masks can be collected from Sooz, East Street, Okehampton.