The group have been hard at work since the end of last year making hand-knitted "Teddies with Love" for Northamptonshire Police. Teddies have already been supplied to Domestic Abuse Centres, Family Liaison Officers and Child Protection Team staff in order that they can hand over a small gift to children involved in difficult and harrowing incidents.

Now, every Police Station front counter in the county is being supplied with a batch of teddies so that children who have to visit the police station in perhaps stressful situations can also have a gift of a "Teddy with Love" from the Mother's Union.

Barbara Haynes of the Mother's Union said: "The idea of 'Teddies with Love' was formed when we saw a TV documentary about an ambulance service in the North of the country which gives teddies to children in times of stress.

"The teddies are knitted to give joy and reassurance to children who may be experiencing trauma.

"In addition, knitting the teddies is a great way to get all our members involved, some of whom may not be able to get out much.

"The Mother's Union is all about family life and we are delighted to do something to help families in difficult times".

Over 1000 teddies have been knitted already and they have been given to children all around the county.

Police Sergeant Sharan Wildman of Wellingborough Incident Resolution Team said:

"It's the friendly face of the police, helping to reassure children and their families in times of need."