NEWBORN babies are snuggled up against the cold thanks to a group of knitters.

Billericay Pilgrims Townswomen’s Guild delivered hundreds of hand-knitted blankets, hats, jackets, mittens and teddies to Basildon Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Willow Rose Finch, with parents Natalie and Luke, from Fobbing, was presented with a pink teddy by Stephanie Thompson, the guild’s handicraft co-ordinator.

Stephanie said: “We do a lot of work for charity, and were keen to do something for the hospital because most of us came here to have our babies.’’ Senior Sister Wendy Rogers said: “We are very grateful to the guild for these beautiful blankets and clothes.

“It can be a very anxious time for mums and dads on the unit and it is lovely for them to know others are thinking of them.”