KNITTERS are being asked to lend a hand to support children going through a distressing situation.

Hampshire Constabulary has launched its ‘Bobby Buddies’ initiative.

The idea is for officers to hand out the lovingly knitted bears to any children they encounter who is in distress or going through a distressing time.

The force is appealing to anyone who is handy with a ball of yarn to get involved in the scheme.

Any knitted ‘Bobby Buddies’ can be left at the front counter of the Basingstoke Police Investigations Centre, in Jays Place.

For more details e-mail basingstoke.rural.police @hampshire.pnn.police.uk.