'Fastest knitter' defending title

Hazel Tindall won the fastest knitter title in 2004
The woman who holds the title as the world's fastest knitter is preparing to cross needles with her rivals to retain her prize.

Hazel Tindall, from Shetland, is representing the UK at the international contest in Minneapolis.

She was 52 when she was crowned the world's fastest knitter with 255 stitches in three minutes in 2004.

The top knitters from across Europe and America will be taking part in the competition.

'Good technique'

Mrs Tindall said she was brought up in a family where her grandmother was always knitting.

She told BBC Scotland: "I managed 255 in three minutes when I became the world's fastest knitter in 2004 and this is the first time I have been invited back to defend the title.

"I think you need to have good technique and move your hands as little as possible.

"Everyone has their own way of doing it. I have been knitting for more than half a century."