Return of the Knit-off

The competition costs £3 per entry and there are five new categories to choose from including: the natural world, cuddly soft toy, beautiful baby item, attractive accessory and novice knitter.

Entry is via the hospice website francishouse.org.uk/knitoff  and participants can send in a photograph of the knitted or crocheted item that they are most proud of.

All money raised will go towards providing hospice care and support to the families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions from across Greater Manchester.

Karen Flower, PR officer at Francis House in Didsbury said: “We launched the virtual Knit-off last year to coincide with the re-opening of the shops, and we were delighted to receive more than 140 fantastic entries.

“We hope to hear from even more knitters this year, and our regular supporters never fail to grab their needles in support of the hospice. We hope this competition will once again give them the opportunity to showcase their skills, have a little fun, perhaps win a prize and help raise vital funds.”

Entries close on August 31, after which time a judging panel will draw up a shortlist for each of the five categories which will then be published on the website.

The contest is then thrown open to the public who get to vote for their favourites. The five lucky winners are announced on September 23.

Each category winner will receive a £25 Hobbycraft gift card for use in store or online, kindly donated by Hobbycraft in Altrincham.

Plus, the entry with the most votes overall, will win an additional prize – a yarn bundle, to the value of £50 – donated by Let’s Knit magazine.

Francis House cares for more than 500 families from across Greater Manchester, the number of families receiving support continues to increase as does the need to raise funds.

For more information and to enter visit francishouse.org.uk/knitoff