KNITTING enthusiasts have been left in stitches after working their needles around the clock for a 24-hour sewing extravaganza.

Helen Summers hosted a special charity knitathon at her Lady Street wool store K1 P1: A Haven for Knitters in Lady Street, in an effort to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Santaire Thomas, Maria McGerty, Eleri Rees, Leanne Jones, Delma Evans and Hayley Lewis joined Helen to take on the challenge, with others coming in and out through the day to join in, including town mayor Jeanette Gilasbey, who opened the event.

Among their carefully crafted creations, the ladies knitted a 12-metre scarf and a patchwork blanket.

Mrs Summers said: "It went very well. We had a great time doing it and we were in stitches throughout."

The ladies, who worked their needles around the clock for the cause, kept themselves awake through a number of ways, including watching the entire eight-film Harry Potter series.

They also braved the cold as they took it in turns to sit outside with their sewing kits, encouraging people to come in and donate to the cause.

"We sat there with our hot water bottles, encouraging people to donate. It was a freezing cold day," Mrs Summers said.

"When the 24-hour countdown had finished we were very relieved and glad we had accomplished what we set out to do, raising so much money in the process."

And the task, which was carried out by members of the weekly Chicks with Stix class, brought all the ladies closer together.

"The task was either going to bring us together or make us deadly enemies," Mrs Summers joked.

"I am very glad it has made us better friends than when we began and we now plan to raise more money down the line, including an event for premature babies.

"We are still adding up the totals of what we have raised but we are hoping it will be in the thousands. I would like to thank everybody for their support."

The blanket will now be part of a private auction to raise further funds for the charity. If you would like to make a bid, you can do so by popping into the Lady Street shop or contact 01554 892888 by Monday.