An elderly animal lover from Watford has been knitting blankets to keep abandoned animals warm this winter.

Ida, 88, a client of Home Instead Senior Care, wanted to do something nice for the National Animal Welfare Trust, which operates five rehoming centres across the south of England.

With the help of her Home Instead caregivers, Ida was able to create some beautiful blankets, which will help the animals keep warm over the winter months.

Ida was born in 1929 in a small farming community in south eastern Austria in the province of Styria, which borders Hungary and Slovenia.

She was the second youngest of six children, and had three sisters and two brothers.

Ida loves animals and has two African grey parrots called Hansi and Sally. Previously she had three dachshunds, all called Fritz.

Peter Neighbour, owner of Home Instead Watford, said: “Animals are close to Ida's heart, and along with her wonderful Home Instead caregivers Sue and Linda they took the time to knit, sew and crochet the blankets in a joint team effort.

“Ida has been a client with us for nearly five years and we were more than happy to help her with this lovely idea.

“We would like to thank Sue and Linda for all they have both done, and for arranging this special day for Ida where she was able to hand deliver the beautiful blankets to the charity. “We would also like to thank Jackie, the centre manager at National Animal Welfare Trust, and all of the staff who made this such a wonderful day for Ida.”