A WOMAN from Blackbird Leys is on a mission to fight stereotypes and offer up some cosy blankets in the process.

Jackie Scarrott, 46, has spent the last year diligently knitting 36 blankets for newborn babies at the John Radcliffe Hospital maternity ward, hand-delivered on Tuesday to delighted staff.

It takes Mrs Scarrott, who has a learning disability and cannot work, several days to produce one blanket but she never charges for her handiwork.

Tuesday’s donation follows a similar one last year of 24 blankets and Mrs Scarrott aims to bring more along every time. She also knits for individuals.

She said: “Knitting for the JR gives me something to do that makes a positive difference.

“It’s important to give back to the community. It gives me more pleasure to give them away.”

Mrs Scarrott and husband Paul, 44, are trustees of My Life My Choice, an Oxfordshire-based advocacy group that empowers people with learning disabilities.

The pair spend time at the Park End centre, where Mrs Scarrott spends some of the time knitting the blankets. Most of the wool is donated by friends and family.

She said: “It takes me a couple of days if I don’t drop any stitches. I learned to knit in 2013: it gives me something to do.”

Even before taking up a pair of needles, Mrs Scarrott already had her hands full. She and Mr Scarrott run Stingray, a monthly nightclub for people with learning difficulties at the Plush Lounge in Park End Street, Oxford. They have also hosted a specialised radio show, Sting Radio, which is looking for new premises.

They have both won awards at the Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards, in 2011 and 2015 respectively, for their work.

Mr Scarrott attended the blanket handover at the JR. He said: “I love her doing it because it’s someone with a learning disability helping in the community. Some people think that someone that can’t work is lazy. But my wife did this off her own back for the babies.”

Kate Evans, communications worker at My Life My Choice, said: “A few of our trustees have been making blankets but it’s a very early endeavour. When I saw all the blankets this morning it was quite a lot. I think it’s amazing.”

Natalie Rea, specialist matron in newborn care, said: “We have a lot of generous supporters and a lot of knitted hats and cardigans. To have that many by an individual is great.

“We also roll the blankets up as a nesting device to roll around the baby and make them feel more comfortable.

“It’s a lovely thing to have. We have hospital linen but it’s nice to have something more colourful and baby-friendly.”