This season's 'granny chic' has sent fashion designers searching for home-based hand knitters.

Rose Ward, 68, is one of 200 home-based knitters producing garments for fashion label Wear-downey, which was set up by two former models.

Rose, who replied to an advert in a knitting magazine, told the Daily Mail:

"I get sent the patterns and the wool, then I am left to it. So far this year, I've made four long-sleeved dresses, a chenille waffle cardigan and a cowl waistcoat.

"I keep my knitting around the place in a carrier bag, so that I can pick it up whenever I've got time."