Local homeless people will be gifted handmade scarves this winter thanks to the efforts of a Bromsgrove care home resident.  

Iris Bessent, aged 95, who lives at Cofton Park Manor Care Home, has donated a collection of colourful, handknitted items after being moved by stories from the street pastor Barry Jukes who works with homeless people.

The care home has also collected a number of coats, jumpers, blankets and gloves for Mr Jukes with Ms Bessent encouraging the other residents to join her knitting group.

She said: “We are very lucky here at Cofton Park Manor as we have a wonderfully warm home, enjoy lovely meals and live surrounded by friends.

“But we know that many are suffering and there are people without anywhere to go or call home. I hope our donations bring some cheer this Christmas.”

Bromsgrove Advertiser: All the donations will go towards helping the homeless All the donations will go towards helping the homeless (Image: Cofton Park Manor Care Home)

Mr Jukes has since thanked Ms Bessent and everyone else at the care home for their donations which will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness.

The regional community relations lead at Cofton Park Manor, Wendy Sibley, said: “We were all very moved when Barry told us about the work the street pastors do to help those in need.

“We put some really nice items together and then Iris went the extra mile. She has encouraged others to join the knit and natter sessions at the home and I think there will be more scarves to come.”