OTLEY volunteers have created a "stunning" heart-themed quilt to raise funds for charity.

More than 20 members of local patchwork and quilting evening classes have contributed sections for the project, which will see the completed quilt raffled off.

Tickets are on sale now for £1 with the draw taking place in October - and the proceeds going to Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

The quilters, who all attend classes run by Prince Henry's Grammar School's Community Education Programme, decided to create the piece after hearing about a similar effort in Worcestershire.

They were also inspired by Bramhope woman Susan Preston, who is taking part in the 450km Action For Charity Women V Cancer bike ride in China in September to raise money for the three charities.

Quilter and fellow Bramhope resident Jo Simpson said: "We have all been affected by cancer and we wanted to do something to help and thought that a pink, heart-themed quilt was a good way to do this.

“Everyone has joined and supported the effort of getting material and making individual blocks to make up the larger design.

"It really is a stunning piece."

Patchwork and quilting tutor Margaret Wightman, from Guiseley, helped oversee the project.

She said: "There’s a tremendous amount of work involved in creating a patchwork quilt, but when you see the end result it really is well worth it.

“Class members have donated to the purchase of material and also spent many hours sewing the blocks to make the overall design. It’s a real work of art and will be a wonderful addition to a home."

Susan added: "It was really moving to see the quilt, which is beautiful. So much time, care and thought has gone into its creation.

"I have seen friends fight cancer with indomitable spirit and I am in total admiration of them. I am taking part in the cycle ride to do something positive and help raise awareness and funds to help fight this dreadful disease."

Raffle tickets can be bought by sending an e-mail to josimpson55@sky.com, while Susan's fundraising cycle can be supported at https://www.justgiving.com/Susan-Preston/ .