It's big. It's woolly. It's back!

The Big Knit 2018 is back, and Age UK Torbay is calling on knitters to help make later life better for all. Age UK Torbay are hoping that knitters across Torbay will help them to reach their target of 12,000 hats by the deadline of August 2019. There is a national target of 2 million hats so it's never been more important to get the knitting needles out!

The Big Knit 2018 is run by Innocent. The knitted hats are placed on Innocent smoothie bottles and raise money for activities at local Age UK centres across the UK. For every behatted bottle sold, 25p will go straight to Age UK Torbay to help older people in the bay.

Carol Lemming, who co-ordinates the Big Knit at Age UK Torbay said: "We are fortunate to have a very loyal and committed group of knitters who have supported us for all the years the Big Knit has been running and we are always pleased to welcome new knitters who would like to join us.

Helen Harman, Chief Officer at Age UK Torbay said: "The funds raised in Torbay by The Big Knit will go a long way towards supporting various local projects to help bring older people together and provide companionship. We are calling on knitters in Torbay to be creative and get knitting to help us reach our target of 12,000 hats. Remember, every extra hat means more money to help the community in Torbay, so please get knitting and help us hit our target."

Knitters can contact Age UK Torbay to get a simple hat pattern and for those who don't fancy making a hat themselves, wool and needles can be sent to the Age UK offices at 12 Dendy Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 5DB to help others reach their target.

For more information on The Big Knit, please contact Age UK Torbay on 01803 555 181. In order for the hats knitted to raise funds locally, please send completed hats to Age UK Torbay, 12 Dendy Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 5DB.