Hello, hello, hello – what’s all this then? A squad of fuzzy bears has joined the force to help make the trauma of a road accident less frightening for little back seat passengers.

The 50-strong intake of Trauma Teddies have reported for duty with police working on highway patrol duties in the Beds & Herts roads policing unit.

And they’ll be ready for action if they are needed to comfort hurt, frightened and upset children.

The cuddly toys have now taken their place alongside the usual kit of traffic cones, warning triangles and breathalyser sets, with each traffic car now equipped with two friendly soft teddies which officers will give to children who find themselves caught up in a police incident.

The new recruits come courtesy of the Bedfordshire Police Federation, which paid the bill with the help of a discount from retailers Mothercare.

The toys are suitable for even the tiniest infant and were suggested by PC Sam Sparkes when she saw them on duty with RPU colleagues in neighbouring Cambridgeshire.

She said: “We go to numerous incidents, especially road collisions, where it’s stressful enough for the adults, let alone for children who really have no idea what’s happening.

“I thought these lovely teddies would be just the job to help give children some comfort and something else to focus on in a traumatic situation.”

“We’ve been able to keep some of PC Teddy’s colleagues in reserve so that every time a bear goes home with an upset child, I can send a replacement out.”