CHILDREN who are flown in the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can now cuddle teddy bears thanks to a donation from the Wessex Group.

The company, based in Shaftesbury, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and each month is giving ‘50 somethings’ to a good cause or charity – such as 50 toys, animals or lamps.

The teddies help to reassure children who may need to use the services of the air ambulance, and they keep them afterwards.

Mike Wood, managing director of Wessex Building Services (WBS), and Jackie Baker, who is chairman of the sports and social club, handed over the 50 teddies to air ambulance staff.

Annette Plaistow-Trapaud, fundraising co-ordinator for the air ambulance, and paramedic Claire Baker received the teddies at the base in Henstridge on the Dorset-Somerset border.

Annette said: “Being flown by air ambulance can sometimes be an anxious time for children and cuddling a bear can really help them.

Each bear has a T-shirt stating ‘Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, supported by the Wessex Group’.

Mike, from WBS, part of Wessex Group, said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the air ambulance, which does great work on a daily basis.

“It is a truly life-saving service that we should all be grateful for.”

Wessex Group installs and maintains electrics, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, renewable energy, commercial catering equipment and fire and security systems across the south.

Visit wessexgroup.co.uk and dsairambulance.org.uk