PARENTS at a Greenock primary school are making 'trauma teddies' for police to give to children affected by distressing events.

Charity Children 1st appealed for the help of the public to knit and crochet bears and staff, and parents and pupils at King's Oak Primary have answered the call.

Around 15 mums and dads at the school's family hub set up a group led by parent Georgia Laurie and they have already completed 50 teddies.

The group have now set themselves the challenge of creating around 300, one for every child at the school to hand over.

Dehra Macdonald, senior family learning worker, said: “Georgia had delivered workshops in the school before and she is always brilliant.

"She has been so patient with us and has taught us all how to create the bears.

“I have no doubts that we will reach our target, the group is going from strength to strength and as more people hear about what we are doing they offer to help too, it’s a real community effort."

The group aim to have all the bears ready ahead of the Christmas holidays to present them to local police at a school assembly.

Dehra said: “The group meets in the family hub twice a week officially but people are knitting all the time.

“People have been doing it at home and while attending other events.

"One parent who attended a meeting was knitting at the same time.

"It has been a good opportunity for the parents to come in and work together, chat and have some fun while doing their bit for charity."

Thanks to the kindness of the community and donations from local businesses the group have not had to purchase any materials.

Dehra said: “Local businesses have been great.

"Some of the parents have told them about what we are doing and places like B&M have made donations.

“Cardwell Garden Centre have been so supportive and we can’t thank them enough.

“We want to thank everyone who has made a donation and everyone who is knitting to help us reach our goal.”

The teddies will be kept in police vehicles and given to small children who come into contact with officers through traumatic or upsetting circumstances.

Sergeant Laura Stewart of Greenock police said: "Police officers will use the teddy to comfort the child and build a rapport.

"We are very grateful for the teddies we have received so far from individuals and knitting groups across our communities.

"It really goes to show that Inverclyde has so many kind and compassionate people who want to help us make a positive impact on the lives of young children who find themselves in challenging situations."