Knitted bears to help children in toughest times

Two safer neighbourhood officers collected the bears from Littleton's Craft Club

A craft group has knitted teddy bears which will be used by police officers to help support children facing difficult times.

The bears made by Littleton's Craft Club in Worcestershire will be carried in police vehicles and available for officers attending an incident involving children.

West Mercia Police has been giving knitted teddies out in other areas after an officer was inspired by "trauma bears", which some forces use to comfort children after road traffic accidents.

Jan Lewington, of Littleton’s craft club, said: "Knitting a teddy to give comfort to a child at a difficult time appealed to me."

The craft club plans to continue knitting the teddies for the police force

She added: "I started knitting immediately after I found the pattern and encouraged my wonderful friends from Littleton’s craft club to join me, which they have done and I hope will continue to do so, when odd balls of wool come their way".

Safer neighbourhood team officers PC Justine Lane and PC Alex Prentice visited members of Littleton’s craft club last week to collect the bears.

“This is another amazing example of how our communities come together to help others," said PC Lane.

"I have always been tremendously proud to be a police officer in Evesham and surrounding villages and it is generosity like this that reminds me what an incredible place this is.

“As police officers we often support young people during their toughest time and something as simple as these wonderful teddies can really help ease stress and anxiety when it is needed."