CORN dollies are helping raise money for cancer charities.
Welford councillor Peter Barnes has raised thousands for the Warwickshire Air Ambulance but this year is making them to support cancer patients after his wife Stella was diagnosed with lung cancer.
The dolls come with different coloured ribbons to represent types of cancer including blue for organ, red for blood and yellow for skin.
The independent councillor has crafted the traditional dolls for some 50 years, originally using his own crop from his farm in Moreton Morrell.
He even makes ‘fertility dolls’ for couples hoping for some help with a new arrival.
He believes the dolls protect and bring good luck to their owners.
He said: “Most people in the village have one in their house for good luck. I’ve given many to people I know who are ill with cancer and they’re still going strong.
“It’s good for me to do, it can be very therapeutic as it takes a lot of time and patience. It also helps people as well as carrying on a tradition which was handed down to me.”
The dolls will be on sale at the Welford street party on Sunday June 3.
