A LOWER Gornal mum is once again using her talent for creating beautiful handcrafted Easter bonnets to raise funds for a cause close to her heart.

Kellie Bates makes Easter bonnets by hand to sell, with all proceeds going to the Williams Syndrome Foundation.

Her son Matthew, aged 7, was born with the rare congenital disorder which is caused by a chromosome abnormality.

The condition occurs randomly and affects around one in 18,000 people in the UK.

Her Facebook page, Kel's Easter Bonnets, has an impressive 2,330 members, from which she sells her creations to fans all over the UK.

The mum of three has been making bonnets for the past five years, with the intricate and colourful designs including children's favourite characters such as Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig.

Last year Kellie made 382 bonnets and raised £610 for the foundation.

Kellie explained: "It all started when my eldest daughter needed a bonnet for her nursery parade. I had a lot of positive feedback and people saying 'you should do that'. I was just making them for family and friends."

She then started her own Facebook page, and demand blew up from ten to 120.

She explained: "My customers are so lovely and are so interested in Matthew. It has helped to raise awareness of his condition."

She added that Matthew and his sisters Chloe and Katie are big supporters of her work.

She said: "Matthew would come on deliveries with me if he didn't have to go to school, he's so proud. He loves it."

The seven-year-old has his own Easter bonnet parade to look forward at the Woodsetton School, and he will be designing his own bonnet for his mum to make.

Kellie added: "He can't have a run of the mill bonnet when his mum is the bonnet lady!"

To check out Kellie's designs, visit Kel's Easter Bonnet page on Facebook.