WEYMOUTH Town Council has teamed up with two churches and a community group to launch a heartfelt campaign to celebrate those who provide care for others.

People are being encouraged to get creative to make knitted or painted hearts to form displays outside St Mary's Church, in Weymouth Town Centre, and Emmanuel Church in Southill.

The heart-themed displays will include names or personal messages from people who would like to put forward a dedication to someone who has cared for them.

The project is being run in conjunction with the Let's Make It community group.

Heart displays will be on show outside the churches for two weeks from March 10 to coincide with Mothering Sunday.

People can get involved by making knitted, crocheted, painted or hand-drawn hearts for the displays.

The hearts can be dropped through the letter box of St Mary’s Church along with any words of dedication. Words can also be emailed to juliehursthouse@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk

The Leonard Cheshire group has also donated glass crystal hearts to display.

Rev Jo Haines, Team Vicar of St Mary’s and Emmanuel Church, said: “Mothering Sunday has been celebrated in the UK on the fourth Sunday in Lent since at least the 16th century.

“This project is a chance to say thanks for all the people who take on a caring role in our community and have cared and served us during the time of the pandemic.

"Combining it with an arts project is very exciting and uplifting.”

Councillor Gill Taylor, Community Development Champion, said: “This is such a wonderful idea, and it is great to be working in partnership once again with the churches. This project is open to anyone who wants to get involved.

“To make a simple heart only takes a few minutes, but the overall effect will look fantastic.

"It will brighten up the town centre bringing a much-needed boost to our residents.

"We are working with some of the local primary schools to help us make some of the hearts."

For more information or if you would like a free pattern contact Julie Hursthouse by calling 07980 730029 or emailing juliehursthouse@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk