They will be knitting sailors' hats around the clock at St John's Church from noon on Friday as part of the Sailors' Society's annual Woolly Hat Campaign.

The group is also putting on produce stalls, information stalls, an art exhibition and afternoon teas on the Friday afternoon.

Jenny Jordan, of the Mothers' Union, said: "It started off as a publicity stunt, we never thought of it beyond that, but from that idea it has evolved into a lot of other things.

"As far as I am aware it will be the first one of its kind in this area. As we get tired or need a drink we will stop for a bit but there will always be someone knitting during the 24 hours.

"We have spare wool, needles and patterns for those people who want to join in the fun."

She added members would be working together to make the longest scarf they can, which will then be taken to pieces and used for some other project."

On Friday evening there will be a free concert from 7pm, featuring local singing group Tinnitus, the Filey Handbell Ringers and the ever-popular Filey Fisher-men's Choir.

The morning of next Saturday will see an open rehearsal by Staxton Singers and the woolly hats will be presented to the Rev Jeff Chandler, chaplain to the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, on behalf of the Sailors' Society.

The Sailors' Society's annual Woolly Hat campaign provides seafarers arriving in the UK, often ill-prepared for cold weather, with hand-knitted hats to keep them warm during the many months they are at sea.

Last year's campaign saw more than 15,000 hats distributed throughout the UK and beyond.

Director of fundraising and marketing Jan Webber said: "Many people forget that without the seafarer, everyday essentials that we take for granted would not reach our shores.

"We are extremely grateful to our committed band of knitters who continue to supply us with woolly hats throughout the year."