Call for knitters to create trauma teddy bears

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue firefighters carry the teddy bears on fire appliances to support children affected by an incident

A fire service is looking for local knitters to create trauma teddies to give to children affected by an emergency situation.

Riding on fire engines alongside crews, the woolly bears are handed to young children following incidents including fires, crashes, floods and rescues.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the bears helped to comfort and reassure young children.

The little bears come in a bag with support information for parents and carers to help the child if needed.

The little bears are knitted or crocheted by residents who donate them to the fire service

The fire service has pattern to make the trauma teddy for those who knit that can use up small pieces of leftover wool.

The bears are knitted wearing colourful jumpers - some also have scarfs and all have a happy face sewn on.

Each teddy bear needs to be about 23cm (9in) tall after filling to make sure they fit in their teddy bags.

The teddies must be stuffed with child safe padding and should have no hard pieces, like button eyes or noses.

The bears can be delivered or arranged to be collected by the fire service.