A group of older women - the Knitty Noras - is attempting to break the world record for the largest knitted Christmas stocking, while raising money for The Children's Society. Genesis Community, part of Genesis Housing Group, provided funding for this project.

The giant Christmas stocking will be filled with gifts for disadvantaged children throughout England.

The Knitty Noras is a group of community champions, led by Sylvia Fox, 84, of Winningales Court, Ilford. It knits blankets which are donated to premature baby units at Chase Farm and Barnet hospitals. It also sells blankets to raise money for hospital equipment and in September Mrs Fox secured further funding from the Scarman Trust.

The group has been so successful it has grown from three to over 75 members in just four months. They are all residents of Springboard Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group. Mrs Fox, who said she would undo her own jumpers to provide the growing number of knitters with wool, said, 'It's fun to knit together and it helps the joints in our hands. Knowing that hospitals and other people are benefiting from our hobby is very rewarding'.

Iain Mackechnie-Jarvis, Head of Genesis Community says, 'Genesis Community is committed to creating opportunities that make a real difference to its residents and their communities. This is a great way for these Genesis Housing Group residents to contribute locally and knit together rather than on their own. We are delighted to support projects like this.'

The project is being co-ordinated by Polly Boardman, Community Development Support Officer, who is available on 020 8548 2562. You could also email her at polly.boardman@ghg.org.uk.

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Notes to Editors

Genesis Community was set up in 2005 by Genesis Housing Group. It is a charitable foundation created to fulfil Genesis Housing Group's commitments to address the challenges of deprivation and social exclusion in disadvantaged areas.

Projects delivered by Genesis Community focus on the key themes of young people, vulnerable and elderly people, safer communities, financial inclusion and training and employment.

With over 50 projects running in over 15 boroughs across London and the south east, Genesis Community has built a reputation as an exceptional project partner and as an innovative provider of community initiatives.