A TEAM of volunteers has taken up the task of knitting comfort bears to give to the emergency services.

The eight women, who live in the Broadacres Housing Association sheltered scheme at Gillings Court, in Thirsk, have knitted nearly 50 colourful bears, each with a neck scarf, in three weeks.

Resident Joan Garthwaite said: "We thought that for children who had to be transported in any of the vehicles of the emergency services, cuddling the bear would be a comfort for them.

"Hopefully fiddling with neck scarves, which can be taken off, will help take their mind off any injuries and can be used as a distraction by the emergency crew."