A COLCHESTER charity has been given a boost after it received hundreds of pounds of vital funds thanks to the dozens of knitted hats.

Age Concern Colchester and North East Essex provides services and support for older people in the area.

Aldham-based County Broadband has donated more than 200 woolly hats for the charity’s Big Knit Appeal.

Staff teamed up with family and friends to knit and crochet a total of 229 hats.

The knitted hats are available in shops and supermarkets and each purchase raises 25p for the charity.

They are designed to fit on top of Innocent Smoothie bottles and can be kept for Christmas decorations or everyday ornaments, or posted back to be re-sold next Christmas.

Simon Prestney, chief executive of Age Concern Colchester and North East Essex, praised the fundraising efforts which have raised over £400.

He said: “We are working hard to combat loneliness and everyday we talk to people who are living in tough situations, Christmas time is no exception.

“To know there are people in our community who are recognising the great work of the team in tough circumstances at this time is supportive to the team and fantastic this is being recognised.

“Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have repurposed some of our team who were running our face-to-face hub activity and moved them to support the surge of befriending requirements due to loneliness.

“Hopefully 2021 will be a different year, but in the meantime there is lots to do in taking people out of poverty, loneliness and bereavement, so we march ahead to help more and more people every week.”

Age Concern Colchester and North East Essex says it has extended its services during the Covid-19 pandemic to help those with dementia, the isolated, people who have care issues, and families who need emotional support.

Lloyd Felton, chief executive of County Broadband, added: “We’re proud to be supporting Age Concern Colchester and North East Essex this Christmas.

“Despite the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to so many, they have continued to deliver vital financial and emotional support to the older generation and their families in the local community.”