A new knitting group in Deal could help tackle anxiety problems.

Sara Williams, 37, of Glack Road, is launching Yarn Club, a weekly meet for people who like to knit, sew and crochet.

It will be at the Astor Theatre in Stanhope Road on Thursdays, starting on January 18, with two sessions on offer. The first is from 1.30pm until 3.30pm followed by an evening get-together from 7pm until 9pm.

Ms Williams, a mum-of-one, said: “It’s for anyone and anybody.

“I use knitting and crocheting for anxiety management and it’s a great way of meeting people as well. It’s so satisfying when you make things.

“It’s a dull time of year and lots of people are feeling a bit grey in January. I’m keen to welcome any ladies and gentlemen who want to come along and socialise.”

Ms Williams, a former medical secretary at Balmoral Surgery, has been knitting since she was six and has learnt to crochet and sew over the past decade. The handicrafts are therapeutic, helping her to relax, she says.

At the new club, there will be free access to patterns and a membership card offering discounts in many craft shops in Deal, Dover, Sandwich and Canterbury.

There will also be project assistance for anybody new to knitting.

People can drop in for half an hour or stay for the whole session.

In the future she would like to work on community projects and hold an exhibition at Deal Library.

She is also interested in organising a charity knit-athon.

Entry is £4.50 per session. To find out more, call Sara on 07704 054970 or email wiggys_attic@hotmail.com

For updates, visit ‘Yarn Club’ on Facebook.