OSSES at Romsey's King John's house are appealing for children to help make a special wall hanging to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the town receiving its charter.

Anne James, King John's House manager said the wall hanging has been designed to include a border of 36in by 6in squares around an image of King James I, who granted Romsey its royal charter in 1607.

"We would like children to each sew a square representing an aspect of Romsey past and present. All materials and beads, wool, felt and threads and instruction will be supplied free," said Mrs James, adding all children or even adults that were interested, need do, is bring their imagination along.

Mrs James added children taking part would become part of Romsey's history themselves.

The completed quilt will be hung in King John's House from the end of next March for visitors to view.

Children and anyone else interested is being invited to help make the quilt during school half-term week - Monday October 23 until Friday October 27. There will be two sessions daily. Between 10am and noon, five to eight-year-olds can take part and between 1pm and 3pm its nine to 91-year olds turn to make history. Anyone interested is asked to contact Mrs James at King John's House. The number to call is 512200.