A PCSO has been inundated with specially-made teddy bears to be sent to Ukrainian children.

Kind-hearted knitters and crocheters created the toys for the youngsters following an appeal by Thanet-based PCSO Adrian Butterworth.

The officer rallied the community together after volunteering his help in collecting supplies to support Ukrainian families affected by the Russian invasion.

"I was talking to an officer from Kent Fire and Rescue Service who was just about to go out with a lorry full of donated aid to Poland, in partnership with Fire Aid, and I asked if there was anything else I could do to help," PCSO Butterworth said.

"He said they would still be collecting after this trip, and really wanted comfort toys to give to Ukrainian children who were struggling following the trauma in their country.

"I put a message out on My Community Voice, asking followers to spread the word that I was after knitters, and local groups stepped up to the challenge."

My Community Voice is an engagement tool set up by Kent Police for residents, businesses and community groups in Kent and Medway in which officers can update users with news, alerts, events and other items of interest.

Following the message, PCSO Butterworth was inundated with offers of hand-knitted and crocheted trauma teddies from kind-hearted residents.

He added: "All of the bears have been made especially for children in Ukraine but they are all unique and just waiting to comfort the children that receive them.

"Bears have been donated by the Broadstairs Knitting and Crochet Group, and a retired police officer, Wendy Sherwood, also made some too.

"I’m due to collect more bears from the Whitstable and Herne Bay Age Concern group so we should have a good collection of bears to donate.

"Everyone has been so generous and I want to thank all of the knitters and crocheters who have taken part.

"I hope that the children who receive these bears will feel comforted and safer, and know that people here are thinking of them."

For more info on My Community Voice, visit here.