Brightly coloured chickens, jolly snowmen and frogs on lily pads don't normally jump to mind when you think of a pot of tea.

But all are among an amazing set of tea cosy designs made by one volunteer in Beccles.

Kathy Jolley has been knitting since she was four years old, but only turned her hand to tea cosies when she saw an advert for a charity's competition.

She won and since then has found a passion for them, making numerous unique designs that have then been bought from Waveney Enterprises, a charity that helps adults with learning disabilities, by people around the world.

In her first year Mrs Jolley made 50 and has continued to make many more, while also sewing dolls and angels for the charity art and crafts workshop, in Smallgate, Beccles.

However, a recent foot operation meant she was unable to get to the workshop and as a result her production of tea cosies has increased dramatically.

She said: 'I do it to pass the time. I find it really relaxing. It is better than sitting idle, I can't sit idle.'

Mrs Jolley had never made a tea cosy before the annual competition, but is now well known for her unique patterns.

She has even just made one to be sent off to Australia to be entered in the World Tea Cosy Championships.

The patterns are Mrs Jolley's own designs and have included a wide variety of subjects, including a bowls-inspired one for a club raffle and a Beccles Church Tower one to raise money for the campaign to help repair the bells.

The annual competition, that first sparked her interest, is currently on again, but potential entrants can rest assured that Mrs Jolley will not be competing.

She said: 'I'm not entering the competition because I am a volunteer at Waveney Enterprises. But I'd like to call on knitters to send in their entries. We'd love to see your work.'

Entrants are asked to knit a tea cosy, any size, shape, colour and design they wish, with first prize winning �30, second �20, third a hand crocheted cushion and fourth a biscuit jar.

The tea cosies need to be taken to Waveney Enterprises by 4pm on Wednesday, March 28.

Judging will take place the following day and then all tea cosies will be on sale from Friday, March, 30 with the proceeds going to the charity.

Any inquires or requests for a pattern can contact the shop at 13 Smallgate, Beccles, NR34 9AB by calling 01502 716065 or visiting ww.waveneyenterprises.co.uk