Teddies just the tonic

10:49am Tuesday 18th December 2007

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IF you go down to the children's accident and emergency ward you will certainly be in for a big surprise.

Every youngster attending the children's casualty department will be given a free teddy bear as soon as they arrive at the hospital.

The scheme is being funded by the Bolton and Farnworth Freemasons, who hope the teddies will make attending hospital less frightening for children.

Four-year-old Codie Martin, from Farnworth, was the first youngster to be given a teddy when she visited the hospital with her mum, Linda.

She said: "I love the bear. It's my new favourite teddy, but I'm not sure what I'm going to call him yet. I feel a lot better now I have something to cuddle."

The Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) scheme was started by about 30 Freemason lodges across Bolton, raising money to fund the project by selling lapel badges.

Peter Faulkner, the deputy chairman of the Bolton and Farnworth Freemasons, said: "We hope these teddies will be a great comfort to the youngsters attending the children's accident and emergency.

"It can be something they can cuddle if they are anxious about what is happening to them as hospitals can be frightening places to children, especially if they don't understand what's happening to them."

The children's accident and emergency unit was opened in October to keep youngsters away from drunk and abusive patients. Warren Millington, accident and emergency's modern matron, said: "Coming to hospital can be a daunting experience for youngsters, so having a teddy to cheer them up is a wonderful idea. We're very grateful to the Freemasons for this generous donation."

Since the children's casualty unit was opened it has been forced to close four times because of staff shortages, forcing young people into the main accident and emergency department.