Firefighters in Oxfordshire have a cuddly colleague who is worth his weight in gold in a crisis.

Firefighter Mark Oddi and Leading firefighter Mick Dunn with the bears

Trauma Ted gets tucked away in every fire engine that dashes off to an incident.

As fire crews are usually the first to arrive at the scene of a traffic accident or fire, their primary job is to assess the situation and calm things down.

The is where the Trauma Ted steps in. The furry friend is handed out to each child at an incident for them to hold and keep.

Dressed as a firefighter with a yellow felt helmet, he can be cuddled and cried on.

Assistant Divisional Officer Doug Minter said fire crews had been amazed at the effect a little teddy had on children.

He said: "While their world may be literally crashing down around them, they seem to find some comfort in holding this little bear.

"When children are injured, Trauma Ted is bandaged up with them and he goes with them in the ambulance to keep them company on the way to hospital."

The bears are provided by the Fire Service's National Benevolent Fund, and sponsors are now being sought to sponsor a new 'Ted' at £10 a time. Call 01903 736063.

Each benefactor receives a special certificate and a thank you letter from Trauma Ted himself.