IT started as a quirky advertisement promoting wool.But now a giant scarf taking shape in a shop window display in Lowestoft has reached more than 450m in length - and has even spawned its own knitting group.

IT started as a quirky advertisement promoting wool.

But now a giant scarf taking shape in a shop window display in Lowestoft has reached more than 450m in length - and has even spawned its own knitting group.

The Journal first reported two months ago on how volunteers at the Age Concern Suffolk shop in Station Square were knitting what they confidently forecast would become the longest scarf in Lowestoft.

Since then it has taken over the entire shop and sponsorship has reached �800 of the �1,000 target.

Denise Sartain, shop manager, came up with the idea and is now urging more volunteers to take part with the message: 'be a knitter, not a quitter'.

'I just wanted to promote wool because we are selling knitting wool and I thought it would be a nice idea to sit in the window and advertise the fact we sell wool,' Miss Sartain told the Journal this week.

'The scarf just got longer and longer and I thought, why not knit the longest scarf in Lowestoft?'

A knit and natter group was formed while knitting sections for the scarf and they now meet at Kessingland Sports and Social Club every week.

Group member Vera Biggs, from Kessingland, mentioned the scarf to a relative living in Loughborough, who promptly turned up at her house with 40ft of scarf in a bag.

'I was just chatting to her on the phone and told her what we were doing and unbeknown to me, she started knitting,' said Mrs Biggs.

Organisers hope that the finished scarf will be unveiled in the town on August 21. After that, a new use for the scarf will be decided.

To sponsor or take part, visit the shop in Station Square or call them on 01502 538315.