A GIANT bra made up of more than 400 crocheted squares is busting its way out of the Brunel Centre after being hoisted into place by a team of close-knit women.

The ladies of Swindon Bitch and Stitch knitting group proudly unveiled the fruits of their labour this week ahead of a new awareness campaign in the shopping centre in aid of Against Breast Cancer.

After more than four months in the making from the 12 members of the group the 418 pink knitted squares were stitched together and the final piece – which weighs in at more than four-and-a-half kilograms – was lifted into position.

Keen to build on their previous successes of knitted poppies and their knitted garden last year the knitters decided to be a bit more risqué this year after Tracey Major tabled the idea of the giant bra.

She said: “We just thought it would be a wonderful idea and a way of encouraging people to come along and support a good cause.

"It all started off when I asked the ladies at Bitch and Stitch to get involved by crocheting squares so that everyone could join in and be part of it.”

A total of 418 knitted squares later, along with a hefty amount of stuffing to fill the ginormous cups, and the bra was brought into town redy for its display, although it had to be transported in three pieces, due to its size.

Tracey added: “Breast cancer can affect so many people, this is such a good cause and that is why we wanted to get behind it.”

Fellow bitch and stitcher Suzy Cowper revealed the bra was 620cm wide and had caused no-end of giggles when people had asked what the ladies were knitting.

She added: “It is a cause that is very close to all of our hearts, quite literally.”

But the bra is not the only undergarment being displayed in the shopping centre this month. A bikini top worn by Swindon’s Diana Dors at the Venice Film Festival is also hoping to raise an eyebrow among shoppers as part of the Bras at the Brunel exhibition.

The displays are part of the month-long campaign to raise money for Against Breast Cancer, which funds pioneering research into new treatments and tools for earlier diagnosis.

Organisers are encouraging the ladies of Swindon to bring in their old bras for recycling to help bolster their fundraising efforts. For those willing to make an extra donation The Brunel is asking for £1 coins to be taped into each cup.

The exhibition will be officially launched on Monday by Twickenham streaker Erika Roe who famously hit the headlines in the 1980s at Twickenham by dashing half naked across the pitch. She will be joined by members of Swindon Supermarine’s Ladies Rugby Team.

The exhibition is free to enter and will be open from 9am to 5pm from Monday, October 5, to Friday, October 23. Bra collection bins will remain in place until October 31.

For more information about Bras at The Brunel, visit www.thebrunel.co.uk.