KNITTERS have been working fast and furiously to make more than 2,000 hats for newborn babies.

The hats will be given to babies in hospitals in developing countries, thanks to an appeal launched by Colchester MP Will Quince.

He launched the appeal in January and said he has been overwhelmed by the response to it.

The woolly hats are now stacking up in his office ready to be dispatched.

Mr Quince said: “I went to Ethopia last autumn visiting UK aid projects but specifically looking at newborn and maternal health.

“I visited lots of health places and hospitals and asked ‘What would be helpful for you?’

“A lot of people assume it is a hot country but it is a huge country and they have cold periods too.

“Hats you don’t have a lot of - it is a real luxury.”

Mr Quince appealed via social media for knitted hats to be sent to the hospital he visited. He said: “I have been overwhelmed.

“We are trying to work out how to get them over there.”