NOBODY would ordinarily choose to go out in public wearing a facemask – they can feel restrictive, you might not be able to breathe as easily and, let’s be honest, they look ugly.

But one Powys mum has been putting her own quirky spin on face coverings, while adding a bit of colour and fun to the very important fact that they are mandatory now in all indoor public arenas in Wales.

This goes for both customers and staff working in these areas, including shops and shopping centres, places of worship, hairdressers and salons, cinemas and museums, gyms and leisure centres, and anywhere else that is open to members of the public.

The mandatory rule came into force in Wales last month and while not everyone wants to wear masks or is jumping on the Welsh Government’s bandwagon, Rachael Hughes is jumping into action.

The Builth Wells childminder, who already threw herself into helping her community at the beginning of lockdown by making uniform bags for NHS workers, has now started making masks for the general public, but ones that boast a lot more style and comfort than the standard face coverings available from shops.

“I started making them for friends and family from the remnants of fabric left from when I made the uniform bags for the NHS during lockdown when I wasn’t working,” said Rachael, 43, who runs her own childminding business, Rachie’s Childminding Services.

“I made about 250 free bags for local NHS staff members and keyworkers, then friends and friends of family got in touch, saying they wanted masks.”

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All of Rachael’s masks are made from quality cotton fabrics, are three-layered, as per government guidelines, with a filtered air pocket.

They can also be made with adjustable ear elastic and nose wires (these need to be ordered) and are available for both children and adults. They’re much more comfortable than the single-use masks available in stores and are washable and reusable.

Rachael’s masterpieces are available at Builth Wells Post Office for £4 or you can message her via her Love Buttons Facebook page for specific requests.

Rachael added: “I had to start charging a little just to cover costs of buying fabric and elastic but they’ve really taken off.

“Builth surgery contacted me about people wanting masks who do not use social media, particularly the elderly.

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“And at that time I was preparing to reopen my business as a childminder and didn't want the traffic of people coming to the house, so Tracy Houghton from Nightshades/Builth Wells Post Office kindly offered to take some to sell in the shop and for people to collect.

“Three months on and they are still there and busy as ever.

“For the environment I really urge people to use a reusable mask, not these blue single-use masks you see thrown in the street like rubbish.

“I'm so grateful for everyone’s support and I feel a great pleasure in making them for my community to help keep everyone safe, even in this small way.”

And Rachael is far from finished with her civic duties either and is getting into the festive spirit, having this week just completed her first Christmas mask orders.