ST HELENS Soroptimists are appealing for anyone with unwanted knitting or sewing machines to come forward to aid African communities.

The machines will be redirected to the Friends of Mulanje Orphans so they can launch a project to get girls to knit and sew for themselves.

Meanwhile, the Soroptimists have already made more poppies than ever before in their 2014 campaign for the Royal British Legion after 35 knitters came forward.

Over the past four years the Sorpotimists have donated over £6,000 and are hoping for a bigger and better effort this year.

Email sisthelens @gmail.com or call 01744 882538.