POLICE in Teignmouth and Dawlish have thanked local people for providing them with teddy bears for their patrol vehicles.

They are a great help when it comes to calming children and adults in traumatic times.

On their Facebook page the Dawlish and Teignmouth police say: ‘These lovely Teddies knitted and donated by local people are carried in our patrol vehicles.

They are used to help calm adults and children that have faced traumatic experiences. I am aware that one was used for a three-year-old who was being taken into care because unfortunately his parents were not well enough to look after him.

‘On receiving the bear he became calm and more engaging with officers. Also recently a two year old was in a road traffic accident.

‘I was contacted by the officer attending the scene. He had a teddy in his car and gave it to the injured and frightened child. The teddy did not leave the child who held on tight at the scene and in hospital even when he was given the all clear to go home.

The officer asked me to thank those who take the time to make these teddies and wanted express how helpful these little bears can be in traumatic incidents.’