Cuddly comfort is being offered to young traffic accident victims at collision scenes.

Kent Police’s specialist Roads Policing Unit (RPU) has recruited a team of 'trauma teddies’ in a bid to reduce the stress children suffer when they are involved in a serious road traffic collision.

All police traffic vehicles now carry the toys to give to youngsters up to the age of about six when they are trapped in a vehicle or involved in a collision either as a passenger or pedestrian.

Chief Inspector Andrew Reeves, head of the county’s RPU, said: "Any road traffic collision is a bad thing, but it is particularly distressing to all concerned when children are involved.

"This initiative allows our officers to provide a small teddy bear to any children involved in such an incident, which can both comfort and calm them"

The initiative was the brainchild of traffic officer PC Darren Chapman. Having attended many distressing collisions he decided to contact a Kent toy manufacturer, who is remaining anonymous, who donated about 100 teddy bears as well as other cuddly toys.

PC Chapman said: "It’s more difficult when young children are involved in a collision because you can’t always explain what is happening to them. Fear and confusion can overwhelm them and sometimes all they need is comfort and reassurance rather than the type of explanation you would give an adult.

"I’m delighted that I have been able to source the toys at no cost to the force, and therefore the public, and am very grateful to the toy company for its support."

The initiative has won the backing of other organisations including Kent County Council and Victim Support.

• In 2008, 87 children were killed or seriously injured on Kent’s roads. Nationally, the number was 2,807.