A NORTH-EAST craft company is asking people to get quilting to help sick children.

Crafter’s Companion, based in Newton Aycliffe, has formed a new partnership with Project Linus UK which aims to provide a sense of security and comfort to sick and traumatised babies, children and teenagers through the provision of new, handmade patchwork quilts.

The partnership will officially launch today - the Random Act of Kindness day - and it is hoped it will inspire members of the public to join in and support a stranger by getting creative.

Sara Davies MBE, Crafter’s Companion founder, said: “It’s not often you can combine a hobby and something you enjoy doing with the knowledge you’re helping to make a positive difference to the lives of sick children, their families and carers.

“We’re encouraging people to give something back in the best way we know how – through crafting, so I’m sure our crafters will get on board with this opportunity to contribute something so special to their local community.

As part of the launch, stores in Newton Aycliffe, Chesterfield and Evesham will be encouraging visitors to try their hand at quilting with advice and guidance from in-store experts.

Volunteers from Project Linus UK will also visit the stores during the year-long partnership to talk about the work they do, their motivation and the people they help.

A four-part quilting series will also launch in the company magazine Sew Inspired.