FARNHAM Maltings’ annual international festival of knitting, unravel, has raised more than £500 for Aldershot based young persons’ charity Step By Step, through its Knit Aviary appeal.

Local, national and international crafters generously donated more than 100 knitted, crochet and felt birds for the special Knit Aviary display at the annual knitting event, with birds being sold afterwards to raise funds for Step by Step.

The charity works alongside young people (11 to 25 years) who are facing homelessness or other challenges in their lives.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made and donated a bird for the Knit Aviary and to all who have bought one since. We are delighted that unravel was able to support Step By Step and reach the £500 target,” said unravel organiser Gemma Curtis.

Jenny Jackson, community fundraiser for Step by Step, added: “The money raised could provide an emergency bed placement for a young person for a week. This includes accommodation, food and support.

“The emergency bed placements are vital to support young people who come to us for help, often in a state of crisis. Thank you to everyone involved in helping us support young people in building brighter futures for themselves.”

Since its launch in 2009, unravel has become one of the leading independent events for knitting and crochet, with yarn enthusiasts visiting from across the country and around the world.

The festival will be returning next year from Friday, February 16, to Sunday, February 18, 2018, and will celebrate its 10th year of the festival.