RESIDENTS across the Forest of Dean are being invited to learn a new craft and create a handmade blanket at a series of arm knitting workshops taking place later this year.

The sessions will be hosted by The Chunky Needle at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel in Clearwell on Saturday, September 26 and Saturday, November 7.

Designed for complete beginners, the workshops require no previous knitting experience and are open to anyone aged 10 and over. Participants will learn how to knit using only their arms, creating a chunky blanket in around two hours.

Attendees can choose between two kilograms of vegan-friendly acrylic wool or 100 per cent hypoallergenic merino wool, with a selection of colours available.

The workshops are run by Courtney, founder of The Chunky Needle, who first started knitting in the 1980s and later developed a passion for chunky knitting. She launched the business in 2018 after being inspired by the texture, colours and appearance chunky knit products can bring to a home.

Each participant will leave with a finished blanket measuring approximately 30 inches by 50 inches. Alongside tuition, the sessions include all materials, refreshments, cakes, access to online tutorial videos and a discount code for future purchases.

Courtney said chunky knitting offers a quicker alternative to conventional knitting, allowing people to see results in a shorter period of time while creating something practical and decorative.

The workshops are also intended to provide a social experience, with organisers encouraging people to attend alone or with friends and enjoy meeting others while learning a new skill.

Prices start at £78 for the acrylic wool option and £97 for merino wool. Tickets must be paid for in advance, with organisers advising early booking for those wishing to secure their preferred date and wool colour choice.