BOSSES at the MetroCentre in Gateshead are asking shoppers for their help to knit the world's largest Christmas stocking and enter the Guinness Book of Records.
The world record stands at just under 36ft long and 17ft wide and was made in Virginia, US.
Any willing knitters are being asked to join the bid by knitting a twelve-inch square of red wool which will then be sewn together to create the stocking.
It is estimated that more than 600 squares will be needed to make the stocking.
Knitting is one of the latest trends to sweep the glossy magazines with celebrities, including Russell Crowe and Julia Roberts, spotted picking up their needles.
Lisa Scott-Lee, star of the Totally Scott-Lee reality television series, and ex-member of pop band Steps, launched the MetroCentre's campaign during a recent visit and was only too willing to "cast on" for the centre's charity bid.
After Christmas the stocking will be given to the charity, Crisis, which helps homeless people, and made into blankets for those in need.
Joining the bid is Sirdar, the leading producer of branded yarns and designs for hand knitting in the UK.
A centre spokesman said: "Sirdar have kindly provided all of the wool, so we are looking for people with lots of enthusiasm who can help and can collect their wool from either of the centre's customer services desks."
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