IT'S time to bring on the clowns for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal!

Anita Russell has knitted 11 model clowns for the appeal to be used at its fund-raising events.

For Anita, of Avenue Road, Normoss, it was simply a way of using an enjoyable hobby to raise funds for a cause which is close to her heart.

She said: "I have always enjoyed knitting as a hobby in my spare time and we have lots of things around which I have made.

"It took me months to make them all with hardest part being all the fiddly little bits.

"But I have always enjoyed knitting in my spare time so it was a labour of love. "People do sell them as toys but I was never interested in making money out of my hobby and they mean too much to me anyway to sell them.

"So thought it would be wonderful to donate them to the Macmillan Windmill Appeal because it means a lot to me.

"Cancer has affected several members of my family so I know how important it is to have cancer care facilities in Blackpool.

"I just hope these models will help the appeal reach its target."

The gesture is particularly touching to Blackpool Victoria Hospital's deputy director of fund-raising Elaine Fossett whose late husband was one of the country's most famous clowns.

She said: "They are absolutely beautiful and will make great prizes for our fund-raising events.

"Given my husband's background I found it especially moving and I would like to express my gratitude to Anita for her brilliant work."

IF you are doing something special for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal please contact us at The Citizen on (01253) 729081 and we will be happy to publicise your event.