A retired headteacher has been putting his talents to good use – and sewing scrubs for NHS staff.

Laurie Mansfield, the former director of Workington Sixth Form Centre, has been working hard at his sewing machine after a call went out from family friend and former Cockermouth School pupil, Anna Smith.

Dr Smith works at a GP practice in Liverpool.

Mr Mansfield, 72, a keen seamster, got a pattern off the internet and turned an old sheet into new scrubs.

He posted them off to Dr Smith and has since rustled up two more sets for her colleagues.

“I wanted to do something for Anna, like so many practices they were having problems getting scrubs.

“It was nice to be able to help,” he said.

Over the years, Mr Mansfield, has turned his hand to various sewing challenges – including a wedding dress for his daughter, Tamasine, and various bridesmaid dresses.

The father of four, who lives in Aspatria, said: “I enjoy it, it’s just like woodwork, you follow instructions.”

This was his first attempt at scrubs. “I printed out a pattern on 50 sheets of A4 and sellotaped it all together,” said Mr Mansfield.

“I hadn’t used my sewing machine for a while but they weren’t tricky to make.”