JUNE Witt, 85 and from Corsham, has been knitting she was four years old and found out on March 5 she had won a prestigious knitting award organised by King Cole Yarn.

June said:"It's bloomin' marvelous. A total surprise. I never expected anything like this to happen to me. I've only waited 85 years to be recognised, " she said with a smile.

She added: " I love knitting. If I don't have a pair of knitting needles in my hand then I don't know what to do with myself. I've already told my daughters, when I go, to put some knitting needles, wool and a pattern with me.

"I was a founder member of the knitting group, with Phyllis Nicholls. We used to be based in a little cafe in Corsham and now it just keeps growing and growing. It's a lovely group and we knit and chat together and and have made great friendships.

"We make a lot of toys, among so many other things, which we sell at events and put all of our proceeds to charity.

"Over the years there have been times when I have opened my front door to find black bin bags full of wool or with knitting needles, that people have given to me to use. I get orders for my creations all of the time.

June's daughter, Pam Burton, who nominated her for the award, said: "Our mum has raised literally thousands of pounds for charity over the last 20 years and if you add it up, it must be over £15,000 plus, for Air ambulance and Dorothy House, so she really deserves this recognition.

"It was hard keeping this a secret from her as we knew she'd won at the end of February. We had to keep it from her as we wanted to present her with her title in an official capacity. She couldn't attend the ceremony in York as it's too far for her to travel, so we have done it here at her knitting group at the Springfield Community Centre. We had to hide all copies of the Knit Now magazine as her story was in there.

"Mum knitted all of our clothes when we were little and taught us to knit as well. She's a real inspiration to us. I made her the cake to show her just how proud we are of her and all that she does for other people. She buys the wool and materials out of her own money and is so selfless in all that she does."

Liz Davis, who is also a long time member of the group, said "June is fantastic. A real motivator. I've learnt a lot from her."

June was joined at the group by her three daughters; Pam Burton, Helene Owens and Sue Duparcq.