TRAUMA teddies are being knitted to help comfort young people involved in car crashes or other frightening incidents.

The woollen teds are being knitted by Pauline Westley, who had heard of the initiative in other parts of the country and thought they could work in County Durham.

They are being sent out in patrol cars with officers from Stanley police to help youngsters dealing with upsetting experiences.

Sergeant Dave Clarke said: “All of the officers we have spoken to so far love the idea and can think of numerous times they could have used them to comfort kids at serious or traumatic incidents, particularly at serious road collisions where children are often injured or upset and sometimes need to stay very still whilst they are cut out of the vehicle.

“Mrs Westley is continuing to knit away, however she may be on a while, if we are going to fit all our vehicles with Trauma teddies.

“These ones are not too big and are an ideal size as space is limited in some of the vehicles due to all the equipment they carry.”

Anyone who can help can drop teddies at Pact House on Front Street in Stanley or Stanley police station.