IT is a little gem that’s going from strength to strength.

The charity for women over 50, known as Precious Gems, only had a handful of members when it was set up in Kearsley last March.

But now the knitting and arts and crafts group has more than 50 members and has just opened its second project in the borough.

This project, based at the Halliwell UCAN Centre in Hatfield Road, Halliwell, follows on from the group’s other project, which is based at Kearsley Mount Methodist Church in Manchester Road, Kearsley.

Precious Gems volunteers meet every Thursday in Kearsley and every Friday in Halliwell to knit items such as blankets, jumpers and hats, which they send on to charities.

The group recently provided 562 items to Royal Bolton Hospital’s children’s ward and has previously supported such charities as Pearl and Peggy and Siblings Together.

In recognition of its achievements, Precious Gems has been shortlisted by Lloyds Bank for up to £3,000 in funding.

It will find out whether it has been successful before the end of the year.

Thandeka Sibanda, co-founder of Precious Gems, said: “I believe this new project will have a positive impact in the Halliwell community.

“We’ve already seen from the project in Kearsley the benefits of joining Precious Gems.

“People who would not normally talk to each other on the street can make new friends and build new relationships.

“We have a lot going on at Precious Gems and we are feeling positive for the future.”

In addition to its current projects, Precious Gems plans to open a new project for men.

Kath Jolly, aged 58, has been a member of the Kearsley project since it opened and predicts the new project in Halliwell will be equally as successful.

Mrs Jolly, of Kearsley, said: “Being part of Precious Gems makes you feel like you’ve achieved something.

“I really enjoy being part of the group and it gives me immense pride to know that I’m helping others.

“I think the new project will work really well.”