As winter moves in and the temperature drops, an army of Scottish knitters is picking up its needles and casting on as part of a national campaign to keep Big Issue vendors warm on the streets this Christmas.

Throughout November, members of the Scottish Women's Institute (SWI) will gather to knit hats, scarves and gloves for homeless people as part of the Big Knitathon, an annual, UK-wide campaign mounted by the Big Issue Foundation. Among the volunteers is 73-year-old Anne Muirhead of Gargunnock Women's Institute near Stirling.

“For as long as I can remember we, as an organisation, have gone above and beyond to support local and national causes," she said. "We’re passionate about making a difference and helping others in need. I’ve been a member for 40 years and I still love the fact that when we work together, we achieve extraordinary results".

She added: "This is a fantastic cause with very worthy recipients so between our scarves, gloves, blankets and hats, we’ll make sure The Big Issue vendors don’t feel a chill this winter.”

Joining her in the campaign is her 47-year-old daughter, Jane, and it's hoped that many more of the SWI's 17,000 members will also take part. Over the last three years, 2000 knitters have knitted garments and helped raise £22,500 for the campaign.

Another partner is art and craft suppliers Hobbycraft and this Saturday, each of the retailer's 83 shops will host Big Knitathon get-togethers.

“Winter is an especially difficult time for our sellers," said Big Issue Foundation CEO Stephen Robertson, "especially when the end of the working day doesn’t provide any respite from the harsh conditions. The Big Knitathon enables everyone to help make our sellers’ days and nights easier by buying, selling or donating hand knitted items."