A baby blanket which was crocheted by Queen Mary and survived World War Two is set to fetch hundreds of pounds to help children in Ukraine.

Great-gran Kathleen Pritchard, 83, was wrapped in the pink shawl as a baby after her mum Florence won a competition.

Two blankets, one pink and one blue, were knitted by Queen Mary and offered as prizes at a mother and baby clinic in 1938.

Florence won one of the crocheted blankets following the prize draw at Claremont Mission in Islington, London.

She wrapped baby Kathleen, whose middle name is Mary, in the shawl while the family took refuge in an underground bomb shelter during air raids in World War Two.

Echo:

Kathleen, from Rainham, Essex, has now decided to sell the royal blanket in an auction with the proceeds going to Save The Children’s Ukrainian appeal.

The blanket still bears its original ‘1st prize’ tag and a handwritten note on Marlborough House headed paper saying ‘Made by Her Majesty, Queen Mary, 1938.’ It is expected to fetch around £800 when it goes under the hammer at the Royal Memorabilia Platinum Jubilee Auction on May 26.

Kathleen, a retired machinist with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren said: “The blanket was my mother’s most valued and precious possession.

“It was never used but kept in a box in a draw. It was only given to me after I got married and became pregnant with my twins, Steven and Alan.

“We all love the royals and are very proud of the royal connection.

Echo:

“I have a picture of the Queen above my television set and a plate with Queen Mary’s portrait on.”

Granddaughter Carlie Bussey said her grandmother wanted to sell the blanket to help children in war-torn Ukraine.

Carlie, 42, from, New Barn, Kent, an IT manager, said: “Nan has so many grandchildren and great grandchildren she can’t possibly choose between us to hand it down.

“She is also extremely saddened and upset by the conflict in Ukraine and wanted to raise some money to help children over there.

“She has chosen Save the Children's Ukraine appeal, which ties in quite nicely as Princess Anne is patron.

“Anne’s great grandmother made the blanket and it’s therefore gone full circle.

Echo:

“An item made by a member of the royal family will now be used to help a charity supported by a member of the royal family.

“It’s extremely moving to be honest. My nan doesn't have a lot. This is still her most prized possession but she wants to help and give something back.

“Nan thoroughly enjoyed it and now has lots more memories to share with her friends at the bowls club.”

Auctioneer Charles Hanson said: “It’s an unusual piece of memorabilia which should appeal to royal collectors worldwide.

“To part with something so precious, an item she has treasured all her life, to help others is admirable.

“It is an honour and a privilege to help Kathleen. I hope Hansons can achieve an excellent price for her and her chosen charity.”

Queen Mary, also known as Mary of Teck (1867-1953), was the wife of King-Emperor George V and was queen from May 6, 1910 until January 29, 1936. She died in 1953 aged 85.