Knitters and crocheters in Aberystwyth, and satellite villages, are being encouraged to put their skills to good use by making miniature hats to support older people.

The Big Knit campaign, organised by Age Cymru and drinks company innocent, is returning for 2026, with an appeal for people across Wales to take part.

The initiative asks volunteers to create small woolly hats designed to fit on top of smoothie bottles, which are later sold to raise funds for services supporting older residents.

For every bottle wearing one of the handmade hats that is sold, 30p is donated to the charity. Age Cymru says the money helps provide information, advice, support and friendship to older people, including those experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Locally, completed hats can be handed in at Age Cymru Dyfed's office at 27 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, which is listed as an official collection point.

The office is open from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 10am to 2pm on Thursdays.

The campaign is open to experienced knitters and beginners, with patterns provided for a range of designs.

Among the suggested creations are miniature fruit, animals, striped hats and more elaborate designs, although participants can also invent their own.

The Big Knit began in 2003 and has raised more than £3.6 million for Age UK nationally through the efforts of volunteers.

Organisers hope the latest campaign will be their largest yet, with a UK-wide target of 1.5 million hats, which would contirbute £450,000 to the charity.

Age Cymru is also encouraging participants to share the stories behind their knitting, including why they decided to support the appeal.

Further information and patterns are available from the Age Cymru website, or by emailing [email protected] for local drop-off enquiries.