KNITTERS opted for comfort on Saturday when plans to knit on the roadside were scuppered by the weather.

A group of nine knitters gathered in a Main Street home in Dearham to demonstrate knitting, learn knitting or buy knitted goods and handicrafts.

The event was all done to raise money for St Mungo's Church and was the brainwave of Marilyn Perkinson, who suggested it would be an idea to mark world knitting day.

The original plan was to sit outside her house but cold wind and rain drove participants inside.

Despite that, the effort raised £200 for church funds.

John Wall of Dearham turned up to re-learn how to knit and was joined by two children taking to needles for the first time.

Church treasurer, Rose Lewis, said it is hoped to do something new each month for fundraising.

Her turn is next when she hopes to swim 300 laps of the Cockermouth pool.

Rose, 67, swam this length to raise money for the international charity Water Aid last year but will now do it for the church.

"I thought I was swimming five miles - from our coast to Scotland. I am now told that would be 325 lengths! I will still got for 300 and if I have enough breath left will do the extra 25," she said.