A group of volunteers has sewn more than 20,000 items for the NHS and key workers.

'Maidstone Sewing Group for NHS and Key Workers during Covid-19' was started by Caroline Barton, from Barming, whose mum Diane is a respiratory nurse specialist at Maidstone Hospital.

The 39-year-old usually runs her business, CB Beauty, but has found a new calling since the pandemic hit.

Inspired by her mum having to change out of her clothing in the front porch after her shift, Ms Barton wanted to provide NHS workers with laundry bags to put their uniforms before they get home.

She posted the idea on her CB Beauty Facebook page and was inundated with responses from people far and wide, eager to help.

Founding members began producing items for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals and before long, the production expanded to include scrubs, gowns, headbands and more, supplied to "forgotten care homes, district nurses and community teams struggling for PPE".

So far, the group has made and delivered more than 20,000 items to those in need. This includes 9,000 bags, 5,000 headbands, 4,000 scrub caps, 1,300 scrubs and gowns plus more than 2,000 pairs of hearts for family members to give their loved ones while isolated in hospital or care homes.

Now, the Facebook group has in excess of 2,000 members including 30 coordinators who distribute fabric and old bedding, collect garments and deliver them to hospital and facilities.

Ms Barton has managed to enlist the help of local printing companies to donate patterns, which are then sent out to professional seamstresses, WI crafters and anyone else who can sew.

However, some members, including Ms Barton, were shocked when some sewing materials, put outside their homes for collection by others, disappeared.

Ms Barton said: "I'm not sure if it was done maliciously because in two instances, the items were returned. I had a big box of patterns taken from the table I set up outside, which were worth quite a lot. But the lady had made a mistake and thought they were all for her instead of just one."

NHS nurse Anna Hubbard is Ms Barton's neighbour and says she is "beyond grateful" for what Ms Barton has achieved.

She added: "In this time of uncertainty and social isolation, she has created a group which has given people the opportunity to use their skills to support the NHS but also creating a real community spirit."

Materials are donated through the group's Amazon wish list and via its GoFundMe page, which has raised more than £3,000.

Ms Barton, who lives with her mum, dad and two-year-old son Harrison, said: "I start replying to messages at about 6am and don't stop until around midnight. But it's been the most humbling experience. Everyone is just so willing to help - nothing is too much. Some of the volunteers are in their 80s and 90s and it gives them something to do while at home.

"And for those who can't sew, they're making cards to put in with the packs of clothing so care home residents can get a card for their birthday if staff don't have time to go to the shop."

She added: "I hope this positivity and good will continue once this is all over."

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