It may not be immediately obvious but Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and the Reverend Robert Widdowson share something in common.

They are all avid fans of knitting.

Father Robert, priest in charge of the parishes of Ashwick, Binegar and Oakhill produces beautiful childrenswear in intricate traditional Aran patterns, having started knitting when he was just seven years old using two six inch nails and binder twine from the farm where his father worked.

His mother was a keen knitter and under her guidance young Robert soon progressed to using the right equipment and knitting jumpers.

His wife Val, who specialises in knitting and crocheting baby clothes, sews the garments together for him and they always have a stall at local fetes where they sell their popular handiwork for charity.

Father Robert said: "In every parish where I have worked we have produced knitwear and donated all the money raised to the parish, it must have amounted to thousands of pounds over the 35 years we have been doing it. Many of the items have been purchased as gifts and I know my jumpers and cardigans have gone as far afield as the Czech Republic and New York."

He said: "It's a wonderful way to relax and know that I'm doing something useful at the same time. We shall be selling things at our stall in Wells Market Place in November but if anyone is interested we may be contacted on 01749 841688."

In addition to knitting Father Robert is also keen on tapestry, having made seven kneelers for use in All Saints Church, Oakhill.

By Community Correspondent Sue Bown