Knit champ has record all sewn up

Mrs Robbins started her mammoth effort at the end of 2002 and has handed over 90 hats to the appeal.

The 64-year-old said she did most of her knitting in front of the television during the winter .

"I have broken my record for the appeal, as last year I knitted 70," she added.

"I started just after the end of last year's appeal but had to stop when it was really hot during the summer months because the squeaking of the needles was driving my husband nuts."

Mrs Robbins' tally was part of a donation made by the Trowbridge-based Monday-Wednesday Club a group held for disabled and infirm people

Members filled 18 boxes and knitted 110 hats.

Mrs Robbins, who is a volunteer at the club, said: "We are a very happy club and have been supporting the appeal since it started. All the members like to help especially during our craft sessions."

Pupils at The Mead School in Trowbridge donated 74 gift-filled boxes. Headteacher Lyssy Bolton held an assembly stressing the importance of the school's contribution.

Office administrator Helen Goodall said children were always eager to offer their support. They love to come into the office and see all the boxes because they are so colourful," she added.

The school, which has been open for two years, is steadily increasing the number of boxes it donates each year and Mrs Goodall is hoping for another bumper total in 2004. I think it's important children are aware there are some very poor families out there. Not everybody is as well off as we are so it is important children realise this."

Local Operation Christmas Child volunteers will be loading the first lorry with shoeboxes on Saturday.

Co-ordinator Judith Whalley, of Westbury, said it was important donations were dropped off as soon as possible.

"The first lorry is going to the Ukraine. What some people don't realise is these lorries have a long way to travel so people must get their boxes in as fast as they can," she said.