A Bradford village's bid to create the largest blanket in the world has received support from celebrities.

People in Idle are furiously knitting squares for the massive blanket, to be pieced together in September.

And Lynn Strickland, one of the organisers, said she had received a number of letters from various luminaries.

Film star Lynn Redgrave has sent a signed photo wishing the village good luck, as has Everton footballer Paul Gascoigne and radio DJ and former host of the children's TV show Crackerjack Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart.

Big Brother winner Craig Phillips has been in touch and promised to knit a square - with the help of his mum.

"The interest has been incredible," said Mrs Strickland, pictured with friends and the blanket."People from far and wide have been getting in touch to say they'd like to help out. The other day a lady in Settle rang to say she'd knit us a few squares - it's going really well."

She said there were also a number of interesting designs, including a huge Union Flag, a Bradford City one and the Idle coat of arms.

And last month celebrity psychic Uri Geller sent a knitted scarf with an embroidery detail to be included in the massive blanket.

Fellow organiser Frank Johnson said he had collected 1,000 squares so far.

"We'll need about 200,000 squares to beat the record and people all over the place are busy knitting, crocheting and setting up knitting machines," he said.

Organisers are also appealing for individuals and businesses to sponsor a square at £1 each.

Money raised will be shared between Candlelighters children's cancer charity, Bradford War on Cancer, Bosom Friends and the Bradford Macmillan Appeal .

Squares are being sewn into larger six feet by four feet pieces which will be stitched on playing fields at Apperley Bridge on September 22 to mark the Idle Tide - the revived village feast. The finished result, expected to weigh about 40 tonnes and measure 200,000 square feet, will be authenticated by a Guinness Book of World Records official.

Organisers are also appealing for unwanted wool.

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Johnson on (01274) 626622 or 773415, or Mrs Strickland on (01274) 621369 or 615272.