A KNITTING competition has been launched which is designed to bring the Island community together.

The Family Library, in Douglas, is calling on knitters and crocheters Island-wide to pick up their needles and hooks and take part in the first World Championship Knitted or Crocheted Fairycake Competition.

Mary Cousins, librarian in charge, said: "We feel the time is right to launch a competition that will bring the Island community together and put smiles on faces.

"We’re really hoping that everyone can see the nutty charm of this event and will spread the word and get as many knitters and crocheters involved as possible."

Most public and secondary school libraries have information about the event and will be holding regional heats from October to January 2011.

There will be a grand final at the Family Library in February 2011 when the winner will be crowned.

Mary continued: "If the event takes off we’d love to see it become an annual competition with different themes each year.

"It could put the Island on the map in the large, worldwide woolly community. So, pick up your needles and get creative."

For those who don’t know where to begin the Family Library’s Twisted Stitches group meets from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Saturdays. New members are welcome.

Further information is available from here.