HALTON residents have created a mood diary by knitting a little each day in a unique project.

Lots of teenagers have taken up the hobby.

Knitters were asked to do just two rows, representing how they felt each day as part of a 'Knit a Year project.

The story of Halton's moods has generated a long multi-colour strand, visualising12 months of emotions.

Hazlehurst Craft Studio artist Carys Anne Hughes and Beth Barlow, from Working Title Artists Collective, supported the venture.

Beth said: "Participants have reported every day knitting, just for a few moments, gives them a bit of time to themselves each day and people with bipolar have actually said it helps control their moods.

“We know that we have a few secret knitters out there who have been knitting their year but who are now organising some final classes and four exhibtions of the work.

"If you are one of them, please get back in touch as we are keen to show everybody's handy work in for exciting exhibitions in Halton."

Wool swap days were held as the project was supported by Halton Council and Arts Council England.

Photographs of all the strands will be featured in a new book.

Halton Council visual arts officer, Louise Hesketh, said: "We are delighted to support this project as we think it will have a lot of benefit for local people. It was great to see young people taking part too."

As the project draws to a close there are still plenty of opportunities for knitters and non knitters to take up their needles during the project's final events.

Artist Carys Anne will be at the Brindley’s 10th birthday bash on Saturday, September 27, from 10am till 4pm to knit the colour of your mood on that day.

You can sit and knit your own strand and stay all day or just knit a few rows for the Halton’s Mood for the day strand, to leave with Carys to add to a forthcoming exhibition.

Carys said: "I will be asking for knitting stories to add to our exhibition so if you have any that you wish to share, that would be great.”

Shared Interests will be held on Tuesday, September 2 when knitters are invited to swap ips on how you can share your interests online.

Emotional Baggage takes place on Wednesday , September 3, where you can learn to create beautiful fabric labels for creative projects and gifts.

Both these events are with artist Beth Barlow at The Brindley Arts Centre, Runcorn and you can drop in any time between 10 -3.30pm You can join the online forum website at knitayear.ning.com.

You can also call Beth Barlow on 07828 148123 or bethbarlow@bethbarlow.com.