FIRES and road accidents are a traumatic experience for everyone involved, particularly children.

But thanks to the generosity of the Highworth Lions, all the fire engines in Swindon will be carrying trauma teds.

Trauma teds are cuddly bears that are given to children at the scene as a way of trying to take their mind off what is going on.

The scheme is used up and down the country and has been in operation in Swindon for the past few years.

Martin Lloyd, watch manager at Westlea fire station said: "No-one likes to see a child in distress at the scene of an accident.

"So the trauma teds are used to give them something fluffy and cuddly to think about.

"It is nice to give them something that helps to make our job that little bit easier."

And the crews are over the moon with the donation.

"It is absolutely fantastic, and we are incredibly grateful."

The Highworth Lions have given Swindon fire brigade five boxes of the teddies.

They will now be shared out among the town's three stations Westlea, Swindon and Stratton.

And it is not the first time the organisation has given such a generous gift.

"They do it on a needs basis for us. We give them a call every time our supplies start to get low," said Mr Lloyd.

"And unfortunately we do have to give out quite a lot of them.

"It was the Highworth Lions who first suggested doing it and we all thought it was a really good idea.

"It is very difficult when a child is upset, for the parents, crews and other people at the scene.

"It is a nice way to try and calm them down, and they can keep the ted afterwards."