Launceston Lions have presented a bundle of small bears to the Launceston police.

These bears are given to small children in distressing circumstances, both as a comfort and distraction therapy.

Lions member Christine Rowe, explained that the idea stemmed from helping another of the emergency services.

She said: “Originally we supplied bears to the ambulance service as a comfort and distraction aid for children who had to go to hospital. Then we found out that the police often get children in distressing circumstances and offered this service to them.

“These have been a boon to give to these children and can take their mind off a distressing situation.”