Patients and relatives - indeed anyone handy with a pair of needles - have been asked to knit a small square to be turned into blankets for local charities.

But that was until the health and safety brigade heard what was going on.

Although no one has so much as nicked a finger as a result of the scheme at Congleton War Memorial Hospital in Cheshire, officials have decided the knitting needles are too sharp to be used safely.

Instead, anyone looking to while away a few minutes must ask permission at the hospital's reception before being handed the supposedly hazardous equipment.

Local people, knitting enthusiasts and campaigners against political correctness joined forces to condemn the unlikely crackdown.

Michael Lambert, chairman of the small cottage hospital's league of friends, said: "The box was marked 'Knit a square while you're waiting'.

"The idea was they would then be sent off to charities and be turned into blankets and clothes for the needy.

"Then one day a health and safety guy came along and didn't like the look of the box of wool and needles.

"I can't understand why they took away the box. The patients loved sitting there knitting away for hours - it was therapeutic.

"The box is now behind reception and you have to ask for it but as some patients are old and get confused, they don't realise. Also new visitors don't even know it exists.

"It's a damn shame what has happened and soul- destroying for patients. It's insane."

Martine de Lee, of the UK Knitting and Crochet Guild, said: "Knitting is a wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic-way of helping people and is very good for arthritis suffers to keep hands and arms mobile.

"If no one has been injured why get rid of the box? This is ridiculous. If it wasn't so sad I would laugh."

Tory MP Philip Davies said: "Whoever made this decision is completely barmy. It is a typical act by a bureaucratic jobsworth with too much time on their hands and nothing to do.

"People young and old have been knitting for centuries at home. When was the last time you heard of a spate of knitting needle accidents?

"If there had been a serious injury, I can understand health and safety stepping in, but if no one has ever been hurt, why ban it now?"

Bernie Salisbury, director of nursing and operations at East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: "We believe this sensible and proactive measure will avoid preventable accidents."

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