WIREDGOV

There are now just three weeks to go until the closing date for all little woolly hats knitted for the Big Knit 2011 to be in - 14 October.

Age UK is calling on knitters of all ages to get out their needles for one final push to help raise over £160,000 to help older people stay warm this winter.

People across the UK are supporting eighth annual The Big Knit 2011 by knitting little woolly hats which will sit on innocent smoothie bottles in Sainsbury’s and Boots stores from 16 November. For each behatted smoothie sold, 25p will go to Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign, helping vulnerable older people this winter.

Dame Helen Mirren commented: 'Helping to make winter warmer for older people in all sorts of ways is so important – that’s why I’m backing Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign, helping to make a real difference at what can be a very difficult time of year. Please do whatever you can to help.'

For the hats you knit to raise funds locally, please send your completed hats to your local Age UK or Age Concern. You can find contact details for your local Age UK or Age Concern by clicking on the map on the right-hand side of this page.

For more information on the Big Knit, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/bigknit, or get in touch with us by emailing bigknit@ageuk.org.uk or calling 0800 169 6565.