A TOUCH seamstress has been praised for making masks and scrubs for frontline staff and vulnerable people from her home workshop.

Joanne Crossan has been providing the protective equipment free of charge but has managed to raise funds at the same time for the NHS from those who want to make a donation for her services.

People with disabilities, carers and nurses have all been helped by Joanne's sewing skills.

Not only is she creating masks for her customers, she is also signed up as a member of the Fife Scrubs Group, made up of professionals making protective clothing for frontline workers.

Joanne told the Press: "It's a lot of work but it's really satisfying!

"My business is closed for the moment so it's fantastic that I can help out this way and keep busy.

"Customers have brought me material and asked if I could make a face mask as they don't want to take supplies away from the NHS.

"But I didn't want to charge anyone so they've donated.

"I've raised about £180 so far.

"When I saw the group was looking for volunteers, I thought it would be great to help out.

"It makes me feel good that I can do something; that's my wee bit for the community!"

When Joanne first left school, she worked in the textile factory for 25 years at Pilmuir where she learned her craft.

She then worked as a sales advisor for many years before taking a leap of faith to start her own business.

'Joanne's Alterations' launched just last year.

Joanne's niece, Leanne Angus, praised her auntie for her kind-hearted actions.

"My auntie is so humble but she deserves the recognition!" she said.

"She's recovering from a knee operation and even though she still has some pain, she is making these masks and scrubs.

"She has made masks for my brother, who is disabled.

"She says it's all to keep her busy but I think it is a wonderful thing to do alongside the donations!

"She is so humble but what she's doing is making life so much better for everyone else."