Supporters in stitches at York Minster's special sewing bee

Sewing machines and ironing boards were set up in the North Transept for the biggest ever UK workshop for the Days for Girls project, which sees volunteers make washable, easy-to-use feminine hygiene kits for young women in developing countries.

Reverend Ellie Bangay, the Minster’s curate, said: “Managing menstruation in some parts of the world can be very challenging with poverty, social and cultural traditions placing real constraints on the health and welfare of girls and women.”

Reverend Bangay added: “I was shocked to learn that lack of access to affordable, feminine hygiene products results in days out of school, risk of infection and being isolated for days at a time.”

Organiser Issy Sanderson said: “The kits made in the Minster will be taken by volunteers working on projects around the world including Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Gambia, Malawi, Sierra Leone and West Pakistan.

“We are also ready to take supplies to non-governmental organisations, charities or church projects.”