THE people of have been knitting up a storm for the past few months - and thanks to their incredible handiwork Age UK Somerset are half-way to hitting their target for this year’s Big Knit.

But to make sure they reach their target they need you to click your needles one last time and get your creations handed or sent into the Age UK Somerset office by July 17.

The miniature hats will then make their way to stores across the country and be paired with Innocent smoothie bottles, which will go on sale in October and carry a 25p donation towards Age UK’s vital work to help support older people across the country.

Phil Dolan, chief executive of Age UK Somerset, said: “We’re overwhelmed with how much support this year’s Big Knit has received.

"But we need to hit our huge 26,000 hats, so we’re asking all those out there who want to help make a difference to the lives of older people in Somerset and North Somerset to pick up your needles for one final knit.

"It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dab hand and can knock a miniature hat up in ten minutes or whether you’ve never knitted a row in your life, we want everybody to get behind the Big Knit and help us smash this incredible target.

"Come on Somerset, we’re counting on you.”

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

Every hat donated to Age UK Somerset will help keep older people warm and well by funding local services such as befriending to ensure no-one has to spend winter alone.

Sim Viney, of 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.”

For more information on the Big Knit contact Age UK Somerset on 01823-345610.

Send completed hats to Age UK Somerset at Ash House, Cook Way, Bindon Road, Taunton, TA2 6BJ. .

The hat knitting pattern is available to download from the website or phone the office to be sent one.