KEEN knitters are being asked to get creating and help to turn Tavistock purple this November for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month.

Tavistock resident Jean Keast is asking people who can knit to get involved and knit purple pansies in the run up to November so that a pansy trail can be made in the town, with businesses displaying the pansies in their windows.

Jean said: ‘I am looking for knitters to get involved — I have a pattern I can email out to anyone who wants one. It’s about trying to raise awareness about this horrible disease of which very little seems to be known. I want to turn Tavistock purple and have a trail of purple pansies across the town.

‘My brother died of pancreatic cancer two years ago and we only had 18 weeks with him after diagnosis before he died — which is more than most people get. There is only a four percent survival rate. It is very hard to diagnose and the symptoms are very often ignored — by the time most people are diagnosed, it’s too late.’

Since her brother’s death, Jean has been doing what she can to raise money for the charity and to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

She is also encouraging people to turn their windows and shop fronts purple during November, by using purple lighting or putting purple film over existing lights. Tavistock Town Hall is a supporter and will be lit up in purple throughout the month.

Anyone who would like to get involved, either in knitting or turning purple, contact Jean on purpleparty2015@ gmail. com