Once a week a group of about 15 women meet in Cockermouth, armed with knitting needles, crochet hooks and balls of colourful wool.

They set to work creating all sorts of goods for premature babies, dementia sufferers, hospitals and care homes.

The hive of activity in Victoria Hall is accompanied by a constant hum of chat and regular chuckles.

Over time these women, the oldest of which is 96, have become good friends.

But while they may live near each other, due to mobility issues they are unable to visit each other in their own homes.

So the opportunity to be brought together, by volunteer drivers, for a weekly catch-up is a real treat.

For some it is the only time they get out the house.

The self-funding group, called Victoria Crafters, is led by Glen Waring and Jen Collins.

Glen has been part of it since it was set up two-and-a-half years ago.

Age UK provides the venue for free and volunteer drivers transport anyone unable to make their own way. 

"We started off with crafts but are now doing lots of knitting. We have a whole range of abilities and make all sorts. We made 130 hats for premature babies earlier this year, blankets and quilts.

"One of our latest things is what we call Twiddle Muffs, a knitted hand muff for dementia sufferers with bits attached that they can twiddle with," says Glen.

"At the moment seven of the women are collected by drivers. So many people are isolated here, there's a big problem with transport."

Jen said: "It's lovely to hear them all talking, for some of them it's the only time they get out.

"One woman, whose mother comes here, said she was a different person since coming. It's something to look forward to."

Pat Raw, of Allerdale Court, was crocheting squares together for a blanket. "I like coming here, it's nice to meet different people and have a little chatter."

Doris Taylor, of Romely Place, agrees. "They're so friendly, it's great. It's the only group I go to in town and I really enjoy it.

"The drivers are wonderful, they help us in and out."

Beside her is Joyce Litt, of Allerdale CourtCHECK. "I like sitting beside Doris, I have been off poorly for three weeks and I have missed her.

"We are bad on our feet and cannot visit each other. I couldn't walk here.

"I think it's important to get out, otherwise you are stuck in the house."

The group meets on Tuesdays, from 1pm to 3pm. Everyone is welcome.