KNITTERS are creating a 50 metre scarf to wrap around Withernsea Lighthouse.

When completed, the scarf will be tied around the top of the lighthouse to be then taken down and donated to Oxfam.

Organiser Anita Phillips is appealing for knitters across Hull and the East Riding to get busy with the needles to help one of East Yorkshire's most prominent landmarks.

She is also hoping the unusual project will help raise thousands of pounds to help with the upkeep of the lighthouse, along with local charities.

Mrs Phillips, who owns Drew's News newsagents, in Queen Street, Withernsea, said: "The idea came about from this little lad who came into the shop last October saying ours wasn't a proper lighthouse because there was no stripes. He said it looked like a snowman."

It is was a description which stuck in Mrs Phillips' head after she fractured her wrist.

She said: "Knitting was good exercise after I had fractured my wrist.

"But I needed some motivation to carry on doing it, so I thought I'd have a sponsored 'knit a scarf' for four local organisations.

"I thought about putting the scarf around the lighthouse after that lad's comment about the snowman."

The project is gathering pace. So far, Mrs Phillips has 31 metres of scarf.

She said: "The response has been fantastic so far. Among those who deserve a special mention is a Mrs Smith from Catfoss, who sent in five beautiful scarves.

"Countless people have knitted a metre though. I'm even getting stopped in the street and handed scarves.

"Anyone interested in knitting should make it six inches wide and a metre long and preferably not white.

"People can also donate money to one of four organisations we're raising funds for.

"When the scarf is complete, I hope to wrap it round near the top of the lighthouse and dangle it down with fishing wire."

Money raised from kind-hearted residents is to be split between four organisations – Withernsea Lighthouse, RNLI, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Withernsea and District Disability Action Group.

Edna Harknett MBE, runs the disability action group charity, which organises social afternoons and days out for local residents.

She said: "We are a voluntary organisation and need all the money we can get to pay for our trips and over heads.

"It does not go on salaries.

"This scarf idea is wonderful and so far the local response has been really good.

"Any contributions would be really appreciated."

Despite this marathon effort, organisers would have a long way to go to beat the world's longest scarf which is 33.74miles.

This was created by a team of more than 2,000 knitters in aid of the Ty Hafan children's hospice in Wales.

It took 18 months and was finished in February 2005.

Once the scarf in Withernsea is complete and has been put around the lighthouse, it will then be sent to the leading aid and development charity Oxfam, where it can be used as scarves or made into blankets.

Tony Simpson, manager of Withernsea Lighthouse, said: "It is very important for Holderness that its most prominent and iconic building is maintained in good condition.

"Last year the lighthouse suffered frost and storm damage, which proved to be very expensive.

"We appreciate this warm gesture from Anita and her colleagues as it should keep the cold out, and if not, help towards the repair costs."

Donations and scarves can be handed in to Drew's News and the Withernsea Disability Action Group on Queen Street, or the Holderness Gazette office in Seaside Road.