A KEEN sewer from Amesbury has created a mask tree to provide cloth face coverings to people in her community.

Naomi Betts, a member of Salisbury Makers Hub, has been using her sewing skills to produce scrub bags and scrubs since the very start of the pandemic.

But more recently, since the government advised the use of face masks in crowded places, the 46-year-old has redirected her efforts to make sure everyone who needs a mask can access one.

She said: "I had read that in the Czech Republic when the government brought in masks people took to their sewing machines and were able to provide masks to the whole country by creating mask trees in their own gardens."

Inspired by the efforts of our European neighbours, Naomi put out an appeal for coat stands so she could make her own tree by hanging masks.

Having received two, she placed one outside her drive on London Road while the other will be installed at the weekend outside Amesbury Community Centre.

"Everyone is welcome to take a mask if they need one," she said.

"We're not asking for anything but if they want, people can leave a donation to help cover the costs of the elastic or they can donate elastic, fabric or cotton."

After sharing the idea with fellow sewers, those living nearby have volunteered to help keep the trees stocked up.

More trees similar to this might pop up in Salisbury.

She added: "[Sewers] actually liked the idea, it's a nice concept and it's the idea that we're thinking of our community that people like. I can see people stopping and looking at it.

"Some of the idea is also to make it colourful in the same way people have been putting up rainbows in their windows to keep people positive."

All masks are in a plastic bag and come in different sizes.