The blankets have been warmly received by local schools, nurseries and animal charities.

Residents from across South Lanarkshire have donated bedding and clothing to the council’s Social Work Unpaid Work Service who have then recycled the material into “rag rug” blankets.

These colourful blankets have then been provided to local schools and nurseries for book reading corners and sensory rooms, as well as the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Pathfinder Dog Charity.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “As a council we are committed to working with communities to take action where we can to be more sustainable, reduce waste and tackle climate change.

“This is another fantastic example of how we are doing this – and it is all thanks to the generosity of local communities and the ingenuity of local staff.

“These are tough times across our communities, for social care, and for the council as a whole. Given the difficult choices that are confronting, it is really important that we draw strength from all those examples – big and small – of how we can work differently and more creatively to make a positive difference.

Professor Sengupta added “The commitment of the Unpaid Work Service staff and Service Users to ensure the blankets are ready to be donated to those who need them has been first-class.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved – the kindness of people and their willingness to help others, particularly at a challenging time for so many, is truly heart-warming.”