NIMBLE-FINGERED volunteers have knitted more than 200 teddies to help children who need emotional support.

The trauma teddy campaign was launched on the Essex Police website as part of November’s Child Victims of Crime Awareness Month.

The aim is to have teddies ready to give to children if they are affected by difficult and traumatic circumstances.

Since the launch, the force has been inundated with people wanting to lend a helping hand.

Special Constable Dan O’Connell said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support people have given and we are really grateful for all the donations received.

“A simple thing such as a cuddly toy really can help comfort children in times of distress.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has given up their free time to knit these trauma teddies.”

Samantha O’Connor, of Southend Sisters WI, said: “When my daughter was younger she was admitted to A&E. She was given a teddy bear which meant she was more focussed on the bear, rather than what was happening to her.

“When I saw the campaign, I put it to our knitting group, to see if they would like to make some teddies and everyone was happy to do so.”

In the coming months, the knitted teddies will be passed on to officers around the county to give to vulnerable children they encounter in their work.