A 100-year-old resident of a sheltered housing scheme in Combe Down is bringing a little festive joy to passers-by with a nativity scene she has knitted.

Prolific knitter, Ethel White, who has raised more than £4,000 from knitting, took just two weeks to create the festive scene which includes Mary and Joseph, baby Jesus in a manager, the three wise men, shepherds and a donkey.

Ethel said: “It didn’t take me very long at all. I’ve been knitting eighty years and am knitting all the time. Knit, Knit, Knit! I’ve put it in my window so people can see it when they go by and show it to their children. I wanted to do my bit at Christmas to try to cheer people up.”

Ethel, who was born in Western Australia, sailed to England to visit relatives at the age of fourteen, but when the Second World War broke out she never returned home. After just three weeks, she started working at Cooks factory in Twerton making bespoke men’s suits. She married and had two daughters and now enjoys being a Great Great Grandmother. She lived independently before moving to the Orchard Extra Care Centre three years ago. Ethel has now turned her attention to knitting Christmas decorations!

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “What a fabulous achievement. Ethel’s nativity is fabulous and will bring a smile to all that see it. I am certainly impressed that over £4,000 has been raised for local charities – that’s worthy of a mince pie and a glass of sherry!”