STITCHERS in Cleobury Mortimer are flying high after their latest piece of work.

Severn Hospice Crafters, a group of volunteers who raise funds for Severn Hospice by turning donated items into craft goods, have stitched dust covers for a two-seater aeroplane.

The protective sheets, which consist of seven cotton sections, one velvet piece to keep the engine warm and a set of crocheted propeller socks, were commissioned by a local pilot who in return made a donation to the charity.

Catherine Evans, leader of the craft group, said: “We liked the idea because it was something different and on a large scale.

“It was a challenge and we are proud of the final product, which came together quite well.

“Everything we do is for the hospice and we hope this one-off project will help raise the charity’s profile.”

The covers were created for a two-seater racing Condor that has won many awards, including Best Condor in the World in 2011, and is kept at Milson Airstrip near Cleobury Mortimer.

Brian Manning, a Royal Aero Club pilot, has owned the plane for more than 25 years and before him the Tiger Club at Redhill used it.

Joyce Manning, Brian’s wife, is a volunteer at the Severn Hospice charity shop and suggested the crafters were used for the new dust covers.

The Severn Hospice Crafters up-cycle donations into hand-made goods, such as aprons or fabric throws, which are sold at local shows and markets.

In 2012 the group made enough red, white and blue bunting to stretch the length of High Street in Cleobury Mortimer to welcome the Olympic torch.

Severn Hospice is an independent charity that cares for people who are living with complex and progressive illness in the market town, as well as throughout Shropshire and mid Wales.