A world champion French knitter who went to extraordinary lengths to keep his place in the Guinness Book of Records has died.

Ted Hannaford passed away at his home in Cavell Way, Sittingbourne, on Friday March 31.

The 76-year-old was well-known for his efforts in making a colourful rope, which he started in 1989 after noticing his late wife, Rita, had lots of wool left over when she knitted.

The rope now measures about 19.52 miles – or 31,414 metres.

Mr Hannaford’s brother-in-law, Malcolm Stevens, has paid tribute to the “one of a- kind”.

He said: “Ted was very outgoing and well-liked.

“He was a keen darts player, played in all the leagues, and he was one of Britain’s eccentrics.”

Mr Hannaford and his wife, who died suddenly at the age of 67 in June 2015, were regular fundraisers for Alzheimer’s charities.

The couple met in 1986 at what became The Ship Inn, and they were married at the Sittingbourne register office.

Mr Stevens said: “They did a lot of fundraising for Alzheimer’s charities, ran darts marathon days and did sponsored walks.

“They were always out and about together. They were pretty much inseparable for the 30-odd years they were married.”

Mr Hannaford’s family are now trying to find a good use for his 20-mile-long creation.

Mr Stevens said: “It just seems a shame to take it to the tip after all his work so we were wondering if someone could make use of it, put it on show somewhere or use it for some kind of art project. We’d much rather someone have a use for it than let it go to waste.”

Anyone interested should send an email with their name and contact details to sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk.

His funeral will be at Bobbing Crematorium at 10am on Tuesday, April 25. Everyone will be welcome.