A COMMUNITY has come together to create an unbe-weave-able gift for their friends across the pond.

The pioneering patchwork quilt is a surprise present from Stow-on-the-Wold to US town Appomattox, Virginia.

The colourful civil war fabric celebrates a newly forged "friendship link" based on a shared historical link.

Stow staged the final battle of the English Civil War in 1646, and the Battle of Appomattox Court House was the last in the American Civil War in 1865 – which marks its 150th anniversary this year.

The quilt is the brainchild of Stow and District Civic Society, which initiated the link with Appomattox County Historical Society.

Work began on the quilt at the biennial American-themed Stow Cotswold Festival, where people were invited to join in a mass sewing bee.

The unique 4ft x 3ft creation is made up of 128 hexagons and was completed in November. Now the goodwill gesture is on display in the foyer of St Edward’s Hall, Stow, until it is dispatched in January.

“We’re so proud of the quilt as it shows we’re reaching out to another country to develop a special relationship,” said civic society chairman Nigel Surman, who spearheaded the initiative with wife Rachel. “Stow and Appomattox have shared similar histories due to the turmoil of a civil war and we hope the gift of this quilt will further strengthen our friendship,” he added.

Stow Primary School has built a strong bond with Appomattox Elementary School through the link.

Head teacher Rebecca Scutt said: “Appomattox school feels like a friend across the miles. It’s supportive when we face similar situations, both joyous and sad.

"We’ve all sent letters and exchanged photos of events here, such as Remembrance Day and the American equivalent, Veterans’ Day. We email regularly and follow each other’s websites to compare and contrast our lives.”

The quilt features rosettes of five battles – Edgehill, Marston Moor, Newbury and Naseby, with Stow in the centre – all marked with crossed swords.

It is made entirely from William Morris fabrics in traditional English Paper Piecing style.