FRIENDS and neighbours rallied round when Maria Mount, of Carhampton, decided to knit pouches, sew liners and crochet nests for the animals whose habitats had been devastated in the Australian bush fires.

And then, led by Maria, they held a coffee morning in Carhampton Village Hall with a £1000 target – which was beaten by £60.

Friends helped by selling raffle tickets, wrapping hampers and appealing for cakes, and supporters helped by filling the village hall.

The money was donated to a charity solely devoted to the animal victims of the bushfires.

Maria, pictured with some of the knitted items, and her team expressed thanks to everyone who supported the coffee morning by helping, baking, attending, selling raffle tickets or spreading the word.