A KNITTER from Malton has embarked on a quirky charity endeavour to help children in the community.

Since teaching herself to knit a year ago, Emma Brown, who works as a fleet sales administrator at Ray Chapman Motors Volvo retailer in York Road, has knitted a collection of teddy bears for a local charity which supports children aged 0 to 16 years living in emergency care.

The Buddy Bag Foundation provides comforting items to children entering emergency accommodation, in order to help restore a sense of safety and security in their lives.

Emma and a team of volunteers recently packed up 180 bags for the foundation, all of which went straight to women’s refuges in Yorkshire.

Each bag contains a hand-knitted teddy bear, as well as essentials such as pyjamas, toiletries and books, to help provide comfort and security to families.

Speaking about the project, Emma said: “Knowing we’re helping children in emergency care, who may have very little to call their own, is a wonderful feeling.

“The Buddy Bag Foundation is an incredible charity and I’d encourage anyone who has some spare time to get involved. It’s a great reason to learn a new skill, and meet some fantastic people while helping others.”