BORED of reading and despite crippling arthritis, 87-year-old Phyllis Acworth knitted a magnificent single bed blanket in a vibrant turquoise.

The kind-hearted Warwick soul yesterday donated the hand-crafted blanket to the charity auction for the Mayoral Gala Charity Dinner on May 28.

Mrs Acworth, former war-time nurse and wife of Second World War veteran Len (89), is a long-term resident of Warwick, where they operated a floor sanding business for more than 30 years.

Mrs Acworth suffers from crippling arthritis in her left hand.

Determined to continue her love of knitting, she recently undertook the task of knitting the blanket.

According to the family, with Mrs Acworth having limited mobility, Mr Acworth was charged with pacing the streets to purchase the right wool (under advice of course).

The blanket took four weeks to complete, though there was some delay when, by accident, Mrs Acworth knitted an entire ball of the wrong colour into the blanket and had to take it off.

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist,” she said.

When completed, Mrs Acworth was determined to find a good home for the blanket.

After hearing of the 150th charity auction, she decided it would be the perfect solution.

With winter and Jumpers and Jazz on the way, it seemed the perfect timing for the thick blanket.

Mayor Ron Bellingham gratefully accepted the blanket yesterday.

He said it was a very exciting time, leading up to the 150th anniversary celebrations.

“It may only be a couple of life

times but it’s important to celebrate all that’s been achieved in this community.”

A council spokeswoman said they had received a few items for the auction and were looking for more.

Contact council if you can help (see story, below).