Diver Tom Daley may have put knitting in the national spotlight last year but he could certainly get some tips from 'nearly 90' year old Harold Jinks from Sandbach.

Harold has kindly knitted 63 beanie hats and three jumpers for St Luke's Hospice to sell to raise money for patient care.

He learned to knit many years ago after taking his wife to a knitting club in Haslington, and rather than go home they encouraged him to stay and give it a go himself.

Harold said: "I've never looked back, I'm very proud of myself as there cannot be many men nearly 90 who can knit."

After his wife died eight years ago, Harold says "knitting keeps me going and is something to occupy my mind."

He is supported by two volunteer Befrienders from St Luke's who visit him regularly to chat and offer companionship and practical support.

Carmel Melia from Nantwich has been a volunteer Befriender for more than six years and started visiting Harold four years ago.

She said: "I visit Harold every week and I try to spend a couple of hours with him so that he can have a good chat to me as he doesn't get to talk to many people. I also do any shopping that he may need.

"Fortunately I knit so we have that in common and I know that he sees me as a friend and enjoys my visits. He knits every day and it really is an achievement that he keeps doing it."

St Luke's Befriending Service is available to people who are living in isolation with a life-shortening condition.

A volunteer Befriender can offer companionship through regular visits, emotional and practical support. The service is currently looking to recruit more volunteer befrienders

For for more information, please visit here.