ANDOVER police officers have thanked residents for donating ‘Bobby Bears’ for use by the neighbourhood team.

The Hampshire Constabulary scheme involves volunteers taking the time to follow a knitting patter to create police-themed teddy bears, which officers can then hand out to children who may be frightened or uncertain, or find themselves in vulnerable situations.

The force shares the lovingly knitted bears with children going through a distressing experience and, if you provide your name then the child will be able to know who handmade their buddy.

Posting to Twitter on Monday (June 27), Andover Police wrote: “We want to say a big thank you to all of our volunteers who work hard knitting our Bobby Bears!

“Andover NPT are very thankful for all the bears we have received recently as they continue to help us to break down barriers when communicating with children.”

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