A TEAM of teddy bears have been created to help North Yorkshire Police comfort children.

The 'Trauma Teddies' were created by a group of knitting enthusiasts for officers to take to this year's Great Yorkshire Show, and are aimed at helping children upset or traumatised by events - such as getting lost - feel safer with police.

Members of the Rural Taskforce are hosting a stand at the event, with police tractor 'Bobby' and the force's recruitment team also on hand.

PC Hannah McPeake said: "This year, we have also brought along a collection of 'Trauma Teddies', knitted and kindly donated by Killinghall Women's Institute.

"Its members set up a knitting group to knit jumpers for the Tour de France when it came to Harrogate. The group then heard about the 'Trauma Teddy' concept, and decided to start making them. Whilst we are hoping we won't need the teddies too often, officers will now have them ready to help any children who find themselves in an upsetting situation."

After their debut at the show, the teddies will be taken out on patrol by Rural Taskforce and other North Yorkshire Police officers, to provide comfort to children affected by upsetting and traumatic events, and help build up relationships with the officers who have come to help them.