A THOMAS Paine-inspired friendship quilt has been created by groups across Thetford in recognition of the ongoing celebrations.

A THOMAS Paine-inspired friendship quilt has been created by groups across Thetford in recognition of the ongoing celebrations.

The quilt will be used for community celebrations and gatherings throughout the rest of the year and for the foreseeable future.

Community groups, schools and individuals from the town spent the summer designing, painting, sewing and embroidering squares with a pattern or picture representative of their life in the town.

When finished, the project will incorporate almost 100 hand-made squares that have been created in celebration of the famous local man and as an illustration of the town's rich cultural tapestry.

Vivienne Clifford-Jackson, community development worker for Norfolk County Council education services, which runs the scheme, said: “It's been all sorts of different groups coming together and coming up with ideas.

“What we've found is by doing this is to start with people thought they couldn't do it and then they sat down and had a go and found they had quite artistic leanings.

“It's been really enjoyable and a lovely sense of community.”

Groups that have already completed squares for the six-foot by six-foot quilt include the Women's Institute, the Abbey Community Centre, the Ancient House Museum and the Morris Men.

The squares have now begun to be collated and will be stitched together by groups led by the Women's Institute and unveiled in Thetford Town Centre in November to coincide with the turning on of the Christmas lights on December 4, and will be on display to the public throughout the season.