The Island has a new world champion – and rivals can eat their hearts out. Dorothy Oliver assumed the title today as the Department of Education and Children’s Family Library unveiled the winners of its first World Championship Knitted and Crocheted Fairycake Competition. Library users Island-wide were invited to participate in the competition, held as interest in knitting and similar crafts reaches a post-war high. ‘Libraries asked members to create wonderful knitted or crocheted fairycakes,’ explained Mary Cousins, Librarian-in-Charge of the Family Library. ‘Each library held a heat and then, during March, visitors to the Family Library in Westmoreland Road, Douglas, voted for their favourite cake. ‘Each cake gained lots of votes but the World Champion was a very popular winner.’ Retired businesswoman Dorothy, 77, of Colby, a member of Port Erin library, has been knitting all her life and said it took her just two evenings to create her cake, decorated with an Easter chick, a worm and a butterfly inspired by the books of Jean Greenhowe. She previously won a prize for her handiwork at Laa Columb Killey. In contrast, junior winner Katie Sayle, 10, of Douglas, who is a member of the Family Library and attends Fairfield Junior School, said her entry was her first attempt at crochet. Runner-up in the adult competition was Lorna MacKellar, a member of Castletown library. The winners of the Family Library’s own heat were Sara Elliott (adult) and Urzula Uroda (junior). Sandie Herring won a prize for a special contribution. ‘The Family Library would like to thank the Lexicon Bookshop, Funny Love, Just Enough, Simply Delicious and Butler’s Choice, who donated wonderful prizes, which we made into hampers for the winners,’ Mary said. ‘Congratulations to all those who took part. There will be the second World Championship next year. Watch out for details.’ The Family Library is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Membership costs ?2 a year for young members and ?5 a year for their parents and users can borrow up to six books, three CDs and one DVD at a time. It hosts activities all year round including the popular Summer Reading Scheme for young readers. For more information, visit www.familylibrary.co.uk Twisted Stitches, knitting sessions for those who can knit or want to learn, take place at the library on Saturdays from 2pm-3pm. Ends