VILLAGERS have been raising money for charity not from running a marathon, but by knitting in one.

About 40 people, aged from six to 90, have spent a day knitting hats, gloves and hundreds of squares that will be made into blankets, shawls and scarves.

Organised by Launton Friends of Cancer Research, the knitters were sponsored to knit one, purl one, for the charity.

The items they made will be donated to Samaritan’s Purse, a charity that sends shoe boxes filled with gifts to disadvantaged children around the world, a military veterans’ charity and Cancer Research UK.

Organiser Rosemarie Stubbings said: “We can’t run a marathon, we are all too old, but when Cancer Research suggested a knitathon we said yes.

“People came along and enjoyed a cosy knit and a natter “It’s been really worthwhile because people have supported it so well.

“A lot of people took wool away to do more at home.”

The group, which met in Launton Parish Hall, featured experienced knitters and those new to the hobby, including Alice Cullimore, six, of Launton, who learned to knit at the event.