A KNITTING group from Wirral has celebrated making more than 5,000 hats for a seafarers' charity.

It has taken the 25 women from St Joseph's Parish Church in Upton more than seven years to reach the figure in partnership with Liverpool Seafarers Centre.

Jackie Scanlon, who leads the group said the hats have ensured a warm welcome to thousands of Liverpool-bound seafarers over the years.

She said: "We are all absolutely thrilled to have reached this milestone.

"We started off from very humble beginnings in 2011 when we were asked to knit a few hats.

"It really took off and while not everyone in the parish knits, many people got involved by donating wool and material.

"When the seafarers arrive in Liverpool, they are often looking for some form of comfort and respite, and with the cold wet conditions they endure we have found that new, warm woolly hats go down a treat.

"We never thought we would end up producing this volume of hats, but the demand just keeps coming, and we take great pride in offering the service."

Mrs Scanlon has a strong connection with the British Armed Forces, as a former RAF Cosford and RAF Lyneham recruit.

Son Andrew is a former Royal Navy officer, while her father John, aged 91, is a Merchant Navy veteran with long-term involvement with Liverpool Seafarers Centre.

Jackie said: "There are so many families who have a link with the shipyard, the Royal Navy, or seafaring. My family is no exception.

"My father John has always instilled in us the importance of serving in the community and he still joins us now to hand the hats out to seafarers, because it's so close to his heart.

"We're hugely grateful to all the members of our parish who have supported the initiative over the years, whether it be knitting or supplying wool.

"Members from another community group called Rhythm and Line who use the parish hall have also greatly contributed.

"Without each and every persons' efforts we would never have been so successful."

Liverpool Seafarers Centre offers wide-ranging support to 50,000 seafarers who pass through the River Mersey Ports and berths every year.

The charity is a partnership between Apostleship of the Sea (Liverpool) and The Mersey Mission to Seafarers.

Its chief executive John Wilson said: "We are incredibly fortunate to have such strong support from people across our region who recognise the importance of seafarer welfare.

"However, we are keen to reach out to more local community groups, fellowships, businesses and volunteers who may not have heard of Liverpool Seafarers Centre and can help support our vital work.

"There are many ways in which we can form meaningful partnerships to benefit the tens of thousands of seafarers who visit our port city each year.

"We are appealing to groups and individuals to make contact so that we can visit and explain more about our work and how we might develop partnerships for mutual benefit.

"It is all too easy to forget the colossal effort these seafarers go to, day in, day out, to deliver around 95% of all the goods we consume.

"Without them the country would come to a grinding halt.

"It is our mission at Liverpool Seafarers Centre to ensure we meet the spiritual and emotional needs of all seafarers entering our region, alongside physical and more practical requirements."

More details from John on 0300 800 8085 or liverpoolseafarerscentre.org