NEWCOMERS to Bolton's ambulance stations are certain to be a soft touch for all young patients . . .

That is because the latest recruits to the town's emergency service come in the form of 144 teddy bears.

The soft toys were presented by Janet Pool, a member of the Bolton committee of national charity, Action for Sick Children.

The committee bought the teddy bears especially for ambulances in the town, and spokesman for the local service, Robin Mayor, explained: "When we pick children up it can be very traumatic. It can be difficult to calm them down unless a mother or father is around.

"Having a teddy bear in the ambulance helps. It makes things much easier for ourselves and the hospital staff.

"The teddy bears will be split up between Blackrod, Farnworth and Bolton North stations and every child patient aged three and over will receive a teddy to keep. Once the supply is exhausted, it will be the end of the scheme.

"All the bears meet the European approved standards.

"This donation from the committee is absolutely brilliant for us."

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