A KNITTING enthusiast has successfully completed the first stage of an unusual and ambitious project.

Amy Dietrich, 34, from Minehead has knitted a replica version of the iconic Butlins Skyline Pavilion.

The 34-year-old, who runs Knit in Friday Street, not only wanted to produce something different for her shop window but also hopes to promote the town she has called home for seven years.

Amy said: “It was harder than I thought it was going to be.

“I had it in my head that it wouldbequite easybut getting the shape right was tough. It took me a couple of months on top of normal work.

“There was a lot of debate between me and my dad Christopher about how to get it right.

“I have had really positive feedback since I put it in my window display. People often stop and look and a few people have come in to tell me how impressed they are.

“I put the photos up on Twitter and the Butlins twitter team responded positively.”

The reply from the @Butlins account was: “That looks amazing!”

Amy has recorded progress on her blog at www.knittingminehead.blogspot.com

She added: “A lot of people read knitting blogs so I’m hoping this will promote Minehead and encourage people who read it to come here.

“Minehead is such a lovelyplace I think we should celebrate it. Everyone thinks I’mslightly crazy but once I explain they all say it’s a good idea.

“Another reason for taking up this project is to show people that there is more to knitting than jumpers and scarves, and with a bit of imagination you can pretty much recreate anything in wool.”

Amy will start knitting her next Minehead landmark in September but hasn’t formalised what that might be yet – although Elgin Tower on North Hill and the harbour are contenders.