Knitters make bears for fire service

A group of knitters has spent three months creating 60 teddy bears for firefighters to give to distressed children and vulnerable adults.

About 18 members of the Knit and Natter group at the Shire Living independent living scheme in Shrewsbury were involved, with the bears set to be carried on fire engines around Shropshire.

Jez Stephenson, the Shrewsbury watch manager, said the bears were "a small act of kindness that can make a big difference at the scene".

The group has previously knitted 120 blankets and bonnets for the Telford maternity unit, and knitted hearts for Severn Hospice.

Julie Richards, housing and care assistant at the scheme, went with the knitters to deliver the bears and said she "couldn't be prouder" of the group.

She said: "The Knit and Natter group have worked so hard on these bears, and it's been wonderful to see how committed everyone has been to the project."

The group meets every Thursday and she said: "The group is about so much more than knitting - it's about bringing people together, having fun and supporting each other."

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