AN army of knitters have helped to stitch 10,000 hats in aid of a national campaign.

Members of Age UK Colchester were initially set a target of knitting 6,500 hats, but with a little help from friends, the group easily surpassed its target.

The hats were knitted as part of the local branch’s Winter Warmth campaign, aimed at helping older people in Colchester to stay warm and safe during cold winter months.

Each hat knitted will be ‘worn’ by Innocent Smoothie bottles in stores across the country from November.

For each smoothie sold, Innocent will give 25p to Age UK’s Winter Warmth campaign.

Frankie Harrison, activities and fundraising co-ordinator for the Colchester branch of the charity, said: “Throughout the campaign the little hats have flowed into the office and the total steadily rose until we got to our target.

“But the hats still kept coming and the total continued to rise and rise until we reached an amazing 10,000 hats.

“It has been overwhelming and we cannot thank the knitters enough for their kindness and generosity, from the young lad who learnt to knit because he wanted to help, to the family with three generations knitting together.

“There were also several ladies who knitted in excess of 100 hats each, the two ladies who knitted over 500 each, and one lady with visual difficulties who knitted over 1,000 hats.”

Edward Pentney, Age UK Colchester general manager, added: “I am very appreciative and proud of this fantastic effort.”