The Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters has joined forces with the Admiral Nurse Campaign for a year-long raffle to raise £8,000 for the cause.

The group has donated a king-size quilt and a machine-stitched piece of art to the £100,000 appeal - and will be selling tickets for the items over the course of 2016.

The quilt, which is called Blue Horizon, was made by Seaton resident Moira Fox, who gave the item to the group to help a local charity.

Christine Badger, of the patchers’, said: “She gave it to me to give to a charity. When I brought it into the group they suggested the Admiral Nurse Campaign.”

She added that the group would be looking for businesses in the Sid Valley to sell tickets and showcase the quilt in their windows or to feature it at events in the area.

The patchers and quilters raised money to pay for long-arm quilting by Midsomer Quilt Shop, a technique that enhances the finished product.

Secretary Angela Crowther said: “For something special, it gives a really good finish. We thought it was a special quilt so we grouped together to have this done.”

Blue Horizon’s maker, Moira, said that the long-arm quilting had ‘transformed’ the design.

She added: “I’m pleased that it’s going to the Admiral Nurse Campaign. I think it’s a worthwhile charity.”

The quilting group held a similar fundraiser in aid of the Royal British Legion with a poppy quilt.

Mrs Badger added: “That raised £7,000 and it was not as big as this one.”

Members will also be raffling off a machine-quilted design called Morning Mist, which was created by Val Thomas.

Adrian Ford, trustee for the Sid Valley Memory Café, said: “I think it’s a great idea. I think it is going to keep the Admiral Nurse Campaign in the public eye.

“The quilt is absolutely beautiful and it is really extremely generous of the Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters.”

If you would like to display the quilt in your window or feature it at an event, call Christine Badger on 01297 624077.