Champion knitter Joyce gets busy making angels for Little Whelnetham and Bradfield St George residents

Knitted angels, tea lights and Christmas prayers have been delivered to families in Little Whelnetham and Bradfield St George from their church.

The idea was the brainchild of church warden Christine Stainer, who originally planned to position angels around the villages.

Then, keen Cockfield knitter Joyce Cocksedge – who is in her 80s – knitted at least three each evening. Within no time, she had made more than 200 angels – enough to deliver one angel to each household.

The Rev Richard Stainer said: "Joyce is quite remarkable. Others also helped with the knitting but without her we would not have been able to manage it."

The angel and tea light were delivered in a small bag with a label, on which was typed a Christmas prayer and contact details for the church.

"Christmas is a time for friends and family, but inevitably that can increase the sense of loneliness and isolation for some. As we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ we want people to know that the church is here to listen and help in any way it can," added The Rev Stainer.