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

Members aim to beat the current record of 20 miles with the scarf, which 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 them take away sections to be converted into blankets.

The WI launched its record attempt in 1996 and joined forces with the WRVS last year, when members realised that both organisations were working on world-beating scarves.

Christine Preston, WI member and world record attempt coordinator, said: "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 estimated there will be enough scarf lengths to make more than 2,000 blankets.

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