Heard yarn about the knitted bible?

Knitters at Hartlepool United Reform Church were keen to put their skills to good use while teaching children about Bible stories, crafting small knitted dolls to illustrate the famous tales.

Now the well-known parables depicted in their unique ‘Knitted Bible’ exhibition - from Jonah and the Whale to The Last Supper - are set to be enjoyed by Blackpool youngsters as they go on display at Victoria Community Church on Newton Drive.

The exhibition was formally opened on Tuesday. Paul Humberston, 67, member of Hartlepool URC, said: “We have a group at the church called the Hobby Group, and they created the Knitted Bible. It started as just a one off, they did The Last Supper for an Easter service and everybody was so impressed they said ‘why not do a few more?’

“We got our heads together and ended up creating 34 different Bible scenes!”

“It had a great response and news about it spread from word of mouth and people started asking to borrow it.”

Some of the exhibitions most impressive constructions include the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, Moses and the 10 Commandments, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and the crucifixion of Jesus.

Brian Grist, minister at Victoria Community Church, said: “I think it’s excellent there’s a lot of intricate detail and we have had people come in from all over the place to come and see it.

“From the church’s point of view it’s very encouraging that it reaches to people all over the area.

“We have had young people in as well as older people and it’s good for the morale of the church.

“I can only thank Hartlepool URC for their ingenuity and creativity and their willingness to share it with everyone.”

The Knitted Bible will be on display at Victoria Community Church from until Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am until 2.30pm on weekdays, and 10am until noon on Saturday.