Stonehaven business owners have launched a campaign to introduce Trauma Teddies to the town.
Already introduced in other parts of Scotland, the hand-knitted cuddly bears are carried by police to be given to children who are in distress.
They help distract youngsters from upsetting circumstances and can also help to build a positive relationship between officers and a child feeling scared or vulnerable.
It is hoped that the group can stir up enough interest from keen knitters to keep up with demand, and get the police to agree to let the toys ride along in patrol cars throughout Kincardine and Mearns, if not further afield.
Julia Morton from Starsparks Yoga Studio said: “Our aim is to provide children with a little source of comfort at a traumatic or upsetting time.
“Sometimes a hug and a smiley face can make all the difference.”
She added: “Even one teddy can help.”
Mrs Morton has been working with staff at Baa Wool and The Villa Coffee Shop to make the dream a reality.
Knitted bear donations can be handed into the two shops where they will be collected then handed in to the police.
The knitting pattern can be found on their website and only bears made from the pattern can be used due to safety regulations.
The group has highlighted that it is a great way to use up leftover pieces of wool.
The Trauma Teddy initiative was first launched in Dundee in May, with the idea quickly gaining traction in other parts of the country.
Similar schemes have been launched in the Highlands and Shetland.
For more information and the knitting pattern visit stonehaventraumateddies.wordpress.com
