TAVISTOCK’S Alfie Hitchcock has created special facemasks for local police and keyworkers to keep them protected during Covid-19.

For his 12th birthday in April, Alfie got a sewing machine and began creating items for his family — and dog.

He said: ‘I haven’t really sewn before, just at secondary school in my textile lessons.

‘I started off by making tote bags and a bow tie for my dog, Digger. I had some cushion covers to sew for my birthday so I made them as well.’

Alfie decided to create masks for key workers after he saw a plea by Tavistock Scrubs Hub on Facebook — a group which was looking for volunteers to help make scrubs and masks for those who were working as key workers.

‘I contacted them and asked if I could help. Initially I made face masks for family and friends and then I started doing them for the Tavistock Scrubs Hub. So far I’ve made about 50 masks and I’m still making more. I am enjoying making them and look forward to seeing where they go.

‘Some of the places they have gone to are Tavistock Volunteers and two of them went to two very vulnerable children, I made these especially with car fabric.

‘I have just made 12 for Tavistock police and it was really interesting and inspiring to meet PC Mashford, from Tavistock Police, especially as I would like to join the police force once I have finished school.

‘I am really pleased and proud that I am able to do this and be part of helping the key workers to keep working.

‘I have learnt how to follow patterns and I’m learning to sew in a straight line (this will take some practice!). I’m looking forward to making some more and I might try to make some of the scrub bags that are needed.

‘I borrowed a dog coat pattern from my granny, which I have now nearly completed. It will keep my cockerpoo warm!

‘I would also like to say thank you to Tavistock Scrubs Hub for helping to give me this opportunity to learn to sew and make things that are useful to people. They have been really helpful and encouraging to me, giving me the best pattern to use as well as supporting me over the last few weeks.

‘During the time I have been unable to attend school I have found a new hobby and learnt new skills that I am hoping to continue once things start to return to normal.’

West Devon police inspector Mark Sloman said that everyone at the station was really grateful to Alfie and to the many members of the community who have ‘dedicated their time and effort in volunteering to support all the police and other key workers during recent weeks’.

‘Our officers, as with other emergency services continue to carry out their work in really difficult circumstances and donations, such as Alfie’s masks really do help,’ he said.

‘I also want to thank all parts of community for their constraint in abiding by the Government restrictions, the fact that the vast majority of people are being sensible allows our officers to carry on with their day to day duties and help ensure our most vulnerable stay safe.’