NIMBLE-FINGERED knitters in Cheshire has helped create one million miniature hats to help keep the elderly warm this winter.

This year innocent and Age UK are planning the biggest Big Knit ever with a whopping two million be-hatted smoothies.

The charity has reached half its target, but is calling on its supporters in Cheshire to knit and purl like never before.

Georgina Alexander-Pulham, marketing officer at Age UK Cheshire said: “We know so many of you in Cheshire love knitting and we’ve enjoyed seeing the range of colourful creations coming in so far – we’ve had traditional woolly hats, cute animals and even some well-known characters.

“But now we need you to carry on knitting for us and get as many hats to us as you can by July 31. We can’t wait to see what Cheshire has in store for us.”

Each winter, one older person dies needlessly every seven minutes because of the cold.

Every hat donated to Age UK Cheshire will help keep older people warm and well by funding local services.

Sim Viney, innocent drinks, said: “We have had such great support for the Big Knit over the years, we are positive knitters across the country will take the challenge to make this year’s event the biggest ever.

“Even if you’ve never knitted a stich, creating a little hat is a great way to start and won’t take long. We’re massively grateful to everyone who joins in and helps make this year’s campaign a huge success.”

Completed hats should be sent to Age UK Cheshire at 314 Chester Road, Hartford, Cheshire, CW8 2AB.

For more information on the Big Knit contact Age UK Cheshire on 01606 305000 or visit ageuk.org.uk/cheshire/news/big-knit/ where you will also find our knitting patterns.