Fire fears mean end to wool house

About 500 women helped create the knitted house

A unique knitted house on display in Devon, created by women from around the world, has been taken down because firefighters say it is flammable.

The 140sq ft (13sq m) woollen house was on show at the Atlantic Village shopping complex in Bideford, Devon.

A fire service spokesman said he understood it was "disappointing" but the house was not flame retardant.

Alison Murray, 45, who came up with the idea for the house said she was "sad and shocked" at the news.

Knitted stove

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were asked to give advice on it by the management and we looked at all options, but advised them to take it down.

"The overall size was a concern and it was supposed to be flame-retardant as we would expect it to be but, when tested, it was not."

The house, which even has a knitted stove and table and was surrounded by a knitted garden with woollen flowers, was on show at the shopping complex to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and North Devon Hospice.

Ms Murray said: "We are very sad and shocked that the house was taken down early and so quickly.

"It was a real bolt out of the blue."

An Atlantic Village spokesman said: "We asked for advice and, as soon as it was given, acted upon it."