Rising fuel prices mean older women, in particular, are reaching for their knitting needles rather than their purses when they need a new jumper.

Susan Harris, from Knit 'n' Purl, in Market Place, South Shields, said they are making chunky cardigans to keep them warm at night.

Ms Harris has taken over the shop after many years in the soft furnishings and craft trade, most recently running The Sewing Box in The Galleries, Washington.

The shop was previously M&N Wools, run by sisters Jean Maddison and Helen Nicholson, who retired in March. Ms Harris, 58, was told of the opportunity by a mill owner friend and decided to take on a new challenge.

She said: "I have been knitting since I was about nine.

"I love to knit, but I don't do as much now as I have arthritis in my hands.

"I do try to keep up the little things like hats. It makes me sit down and relax."

Ms Harris, from Sunderland, has added baby wear and items she and her family have knitted to the range of goods available in her shop.

Ms Harris said: "The previous owners built up a good reputation in South Shields. They had a lot of customers who are continuing to come, as well as, of course, a lot of new ones."

People have been coming to her shop from all over the region and an online shop has been set up at www.knitnpurlwoolshop.com.