CRAFTERS from Somerset can put their sewing skills to the test and help raise money for charity.

The Pet and Craft Centres at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre have created a sewing kit that people can purchase with proceeds being donated to the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

Rosa Nation, animal care advisor at the garden centre near Taunton, said: “Last year we created a charity craft kit, which was extremely successful so we thought we would put together another this year.

“We have chosen to support MCS due to its fantastic work helping marine life in our oceans and helping tidy up plastics that are washing up on our beaches across the UK.

"The first sewing kit will be of an Orca and we will release different sea creatures through the year that people can sew.

“The kit contains everything people will need to make a whale and each kit comes with helpful instructions. The kits will cost £3.99 and £2 from each sale will go to the charity.

“People of all ages can give these a go. We’d love it if people tweeted us pictures of their finished whales to @MonktonElm or posted them on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/monktonelm.”

The Pet and Craft Centres will also be organising some beach cleaning events throughout the year.

MCS is the UK’s leading charity for the protection of the country’s seas, shores and wildlife.

MCS works to clear the seas of the rising tide of rubbish that is dangerous to sea life, including sea birds, whales and dolphins.

Ian Frazer, head of fundraising at MCS, said: “We’re delighted that the Pet and Craft centres at Monkton Elm are raising funds on our behalf in such an innovative way, not only that, they’re organising beach cleans this summer too.

"At MCS we rely solely on the support of organisations and individuals to raise funds and volunteer their time, so we wish the Pet and Craft Centres the very best of luck and hope they have fun at their beach cleans.”