VETERANS at a local care home have been thanked for their service with hand-crafted quilts depicting Second World War fighter planes, medals and poppies.

The patchwork quilts have been donated to veterans at Deangate Care Home in Mapplewell by Sheffield-based fabrics company Happy Hare, as part of their ‘Quilts for the Longest Day’ initiative.

The project began back in June to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and since then more than 100 quilts have been donated to veterans.

One of those to receive a quilt was 94-year-old Deangate resident Maurice Churchouse, who served in the RAF from 1948 for national service.

He said: “I couldn’t believe that they had given me such a wonderful quilt.

“It’s too precious to go on my bed - it’s nice to be remembered and not forgotten.”

Another four at the home have received quilts, with staff from Happy Hare visiting on September 7 for the home’s summer fair to let residents pick their preferred design.

Rachael Addy, activities co-ordinator at Deangate, said: “We were so surprised that they were going to gift all our surviving veterans with a quilt of their choice.

“This was so touching for everyone to experience.

“I offered to sell some of their gifts within the home and they are selling well.

“The money we take will be given back to them to enable them to continue making their fabulous quilts.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that took the time to come and help us out with the summer fair.

“We are so lucky to have such a great, close-knit community that will always endeavour to lend a hand.”