A firm supplying knitting and crochet supplies has released material for free to help people keep busy in the coronavirus lockdown.

Sittingbourne-based Knitting Network, co-owned by Iwade resident Amy Last, has released various patterns for people who are following the government guidelines.

The majority of the firm's client base is women over the age of 55 but most are elderly.

Demand has reached such a point that bosses had to temporarily cut the phone lines yesterday in a bid to cope.

Shipping has also been impacted with Royal Mail charges soaring for posting to other countries, due to a lack of air travel.

Miss Last said: "We've seen a huge spike in order volume.

"Part of that spike is down to our customers being 55 and over and the majority are a bit older.

"They're staying at home and they've got a lot of time on their hands and they want to knit.

"We've had lots of grandmothers-to-be get in touch with stories about how they want to knit something to send to their grandchild because they won't be able to meet them.

"Knitting is a labour of love. It's a loving gesture and we've had quite a few people that are missing meeting their grandchildren for the first time."

A crochet-along and knit-along has also been set up on the business' Facebook page to get people joining in and keep them connected with eachother.

"It helps them. It's no good for anyone to be indoors feeling completely alone with nothing to do," added Miss Last.

"You get that sense of community when you look at what the knitters and crocheters are doing.

"It's just something nice."

Due to the surge in demand, the firm has been able to take on a number of temporary staff members who have already lost their jobs.

To join in the fun search for Knitting Network on Facebook.

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