Knitters sell toys at Gates Garden Centre in Cold Overton to raise money for Dr Tim Gray's charity the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme

Crafters have been putting their skills to good use by knitting toys to sell for charity.

Oakham residents Win Gladding and Margaret Wright are selling their toys to raise money for the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme.

The charity has 24 volunteer doctors who support the emergency services by treating patients at the scene of an emergency across the area.

It was set up by retired doctor Tim Gray in 2004. He has thanked the knitters for their support.

Dr Gray said: “The toys are great and will raise lots of money for us this Christmas which is wonderful.”

The toys are on sale at Gates Garden Centre in Cold Overton for £3 with all money going to the charity.

Garden centre owner Kathy Gates is a stalwart supporter of EMICS.

She said: “The volunteer doctors do crucial work all over the East Midlands and save lives year on year. I hope I never have cause to use them for myself or my family but feel safer knowing that EMICS doctors are on hand to attend emergency incidents should they be needed.”

The service relies on public donations. It costs £6,300 to equip a new doctor to join the team so the charity is always looking for public support.

The volunteers attend an average of four jobs each day.

Dr Gray said: “We rely solely on funds raised to keep our doctors operational across the region and are extremely grateful for any help, large or small, that local individuals, groups of companies can offer us.”

To find out how you can support the charity visit www.emics.org.uk