THE Women's Royal Voluntary Service and Women's Institute are preparing to unveil what they hope will be the world's longest scarf.

The scarf, which aims to beat the current record of 20 miles, has been knitted by people from across Britain and as far afield as Australia.

It will be assembled and measured on September 10 and 11, at Ushaw College in Durham City.

The scarf will be dismantled on September 12 and both organisations are appealing for local charities to help and then take away sections to be converted into blankets.

The WI launched its attempt in 1996 and joined forces with the WRVS in 2000 when members realised they were working on world-beating scarves.

Christine Preston, WI member and world record attempt co-ordinator, said: "Hundreds of people from the WI and WRVS have worked long and hard on this project and we are confident that we have enough scarf to beat the world record. We also hope to benefit many people in need by offering charities the chance to come along and help us dismantle this huge scarf to use as blankets."

It is thought there will be enough scarf lengths for more than 2,000 blankets.

Any organisation interested in helping should contact Christine Preston on (0191) 373 0785.