Anxious children who attend eye appointments at Walsall Manor Hospital will be given a special knitted teddy thanks to a group of avid knitters.

More than 100 Christmas knitted teddies have been donated by Newton Women’s Institute in Great Barr to Children’s Outpatients and Orthoptics at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

The group knits and donates teddies all year round – with the latest donation being a bumper one.

So far it has donated 734 teddies, plus clothes and other items for the hospital’s Maternity and Neonatal departments.

Melanie Wisher, President of Newton Women’s Institute, said members make the ‘love and hug’ teddies to cheer children up.

She said: “I used to work as a Nurse so I know having a hospital appointment as a child can be very daunting, worrying and frightening.

“We hope these teddies will help bring a smile to the children’s faces and it is something they can treasure forever.

“Each teddy is individually wrapped so are infection prevention compliant and it also makes them all special.

“They are dressed in outfits made by the group as well. This batch we started making in October and have Christmas clothes on. There is a group of six of us who are part of the production line – every teddy is homemade.

“We really enjoy doing it as we know how much they are appreciated.”

Maxine Davies, Orthoptics Administrator, said Helen Mason, Children’s Outpatients Sister, and her team were so grateful for the support and have so much pleasure in giving out teddies to children who come into their department.

As a thank you staff gave Melanie and Hilary Massey, Vice President and Secretary, a hamper containing biscuits, chocolates, and other goodies.

Maxine said: “We are really grateful for the donations from the Newton Women’s Institute. They make such a difference to the children’s experience.

“I have seen some come in very upset and then their faces light up when they are given a teddy. They really calm them.

“We hope the group enjoy the gift hamper we have given them – it is just a little thank you for their amazing support this year.”