Knitters are being recruited for a charitable endeavour in 2017.

North Somerset charity Mend The Gap needs helpers to make jumpers for schoolchildren in Kenya.

It works with schools across the district, including Gordano and Clevedon schools, as well as Churchill Academy and Sixth Form.

Students, past and present, and teachers from those schools will be visiting Kenya this summer and working within orphanages, girl rescue centres, hospitals and other facilities to help the local community.

Ahead of their African adventure, the schools are getting involved in Mend The Gap’s knitting initiative and are joining the charity’s appeal for extra help.

Head of sixth form at Gordano School, Jeanne Fairs, said: “This is our third year of knitting for the students and is a very visible sign on our continued relationship with our twin schools.

“We have just been able to send over £2,000 to the charity, raised by students during RAG week, which will pay for the teacher salaries in the Bochoroke nursery school.”

Claire Murray, subject Co-ordinator for learning challenge at Clevedon School, added: “We have loved working with Mend The Gap over the past few years developing links between our communities here in the UK and those in Kenya, and can’t wait to continue building these relationships in the future.

“The jumpers we take every year are so gratefully received.

“It always is such a joy to see how such a small thing makes such a big difference. I would urge anyone able to get involved to support this worthwhile cause.”

Knitted jumpers, which must be made using four-ply acrylic wool to prevent them shrinking, and other donations can be dropped off at Mend The Gap’s base in Churchill. Alternatively, cash donations can be made at www.mendthegap.org.uk or cheques to Mend The Gap sent to its base at 9 Turnpike Road.

To join or start a knitting group, or to volunteer to help at any charity events, email info@mendthegap.org.uk or call 07572 432833 or 01934 853228.