CARE home residents have expressed heartfelt thanks to members of a New Forest church for bringing them handmade gifts and sending messages of seasonal cheer.

Dozens of knitted squares and written greetings were personally delivered to Colten Care’s Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst by Revd Canon Diane Webster.

The items, adorned with crosses, were made by the Mothers’ Union membership charity at nearby Brockenhurst Parish Church.

Canon Webster, a regular visitor to Woodpeckers before lockdown for communion services and individual meetings, said in a note to the home: “As we have been unable to visit, members knitted the squares as tokens of our love and prayers for those in our local nursing and residential homes.

“We know how difficult the year has been for all your residents and the staff and wanted to show our concern and support for you all.”

Woodpeckers residents were keen to thank the Mothers’ Union and Canon Webster.

Patricia Cowen described the gifts as “a lovely gesture” while Joyce Alexander said: “It’s so kind of them to think about us, when everyone has such busy lives.”

Betty Hampton said: “I’m touched by this and will keep the square in my handbag.”

Iris and Fred Woodford, who both live at Woodpeckers and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary there, said they took “great comfort” from the church. Fred added: “We can’t get over the kindness of people who do not know us.”

The home’s Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker, who accepted the gifts in a Covid-safe handover, said: “We're thrilled the Mothers’ Union took time to make each of our residents a gift."