STAFF and women from Rowan Assessment Centre at Ottery Hospital have joined in a world record knitting bid.

The aim is to knit the longest scarf in the world, to become a Guinness World Record holder and raise money for Hall for Cornwall’s Loved to Bits campaign.

Higher clinical support workers Bev Giles, Nicki Pearce and Karen Arthur and six ladies, aged 80 to 95, have joined others from across the UK and as far afield as Canada and Australia for the challenge.

The target is 34 miles, to beat the 32-mile record held by Wales.

Their handiwork will be onstage during Hall for Cornwall’s panto Sleeping Beauty, which opens on Friday, December 10. It will then be turned into blankets for Cornwall Care and Friends of the Elderly.

Rowan manager Gaynor Appleby said: “It’s taken three months and everyone is very pleased with the achievement, as many of the ladies haven’t knitted for some years.”

For more details call (01872) 262466 or visit www.reallylongscarf.org.uk.