A BIG 'thank you' was this week issued to all the generous people who responded to an appeal for wool in last month's Times.

Linda Downing, a volunteer with Operation Sunshine, said her depleted stocks of wool were now looking much healthier, as people donated their left-over balls to the charity.

'It's been coming in by the black bag full,' said Linda, who has an army of dedicated knitters converting the wool into hats, jumpers and blankets. These are sent to needy children and families in Africa by the Operation Sunshine charity.

Anyone who has any unwanted balls of wool, in any quantity, is urged to take it to the collection point in Tavistock Library.

'Keep it coming,' said Linda. 'In winter time, my ladies get through a lot of it, because being indoors is the best place to be!'

An exhibition of photographs taken in Africa by Operation Sunshine volunteers is due to be mounted at Tavistock Library in the coming weeks.

'People will be able to see their wool actually being worn by the little children,' said Linda, who also thanked Tavistock Library staff for their co-operation at her 'wool collecting depot'.