TAVISTOCK carnival princess Sienna Critchley has been creating free face masks for local residents during isolation.

Sienna, from Tavistock, has designed and created the masks in order to fit young children and the elderly — using a 1930s hand crank sewing machine which belonged to her great grandma.

The Year 7 Mount Kelly student taught herself how to sew during isolation in order to help others. So far Sienna has made around 24 masks using cotton and flannelette material found around her home.

The masks were placed in a basket outside her home for people to take and within the basket Sienna, 12, left a note which read: ‘I wanted to make face masks so people can keep safe.’

Mum Linda said the family were very proud of Sienna and were delighted that she was using a piece of ‘family history’ to create the face masks.

‘We are very proud of Sienna; she so loves to help others.

‘Using her great grandma’s sewing machine — which we are told cost a whole week’s wage — Sienna set to work recycling fabrics found at home to make washable masks.

‘She particularly wanted to make them for young people having discovered most masks were too big for children and many aren’t comfortable for elderly people.

‘This fabulous idea has involved learning a new skill (sewing) and some family history too — it’s been a joy to listen to the vintage sewing machine ticking away in the background; very therapeutic — just what we need right now!’

Head of Mount Kelly Prep Dominic Floyd said: ‘We are so proud of our children who have stepped up and considered the needs of others.

‘Sienna is an excellent example of this and we are thrilled with her initiative and innovation. I have no doubt these masks will be well received and appreciated. 

‘She is a fine example to other children that we can all make a difference.’

Sienna and her family received a note on Sunday, April 26 from a happy ‘customer’, which read: ‘What a lovely gesture! And these are so beautifully made — with real skills. My wife took one for when she next goes shopping. Well done and thank you.’