Multi-ply Wool opened for business recently, stocking a wide selection of new and unusual yarns along with traditional and well-known brands.

Owner Helen Williams said: "There is a lot of new and exciting wool out there. Before I was having to buy it on the internet so I thought it was time we had some local availability.

"What makes Multi-ply so exciting for local knitters is the selection of more unusual yarns it stocks. There are alpaca yarns from Britain and Peru, recycled silks from India, fairly traded silk and wool from Uruguay and even yarn made from silk and banana fibres."

Mrs Williams has been knitting since the age of six and will be holding "knit and natter" sessions and knitting classes at the new shop.

She has invited anyone stuck on a pattern to take it along for help.

Multi-ply is also set to be the first UK wool shop to stock a new Canadian fleece yarn which Mrs Williams says is ideal for hats and gloves.

"Not only have I got the shop I have a website too so I'm hoping to ship my wools out all over the country, as well as provide Scarborough's knitters with something new.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming lots of new faces to the shop, from the beginner to the advanced knitter.

"Anyone can come along and find out about knitting in the 21st century."