ANDOVER Cruse Bereave-ment Care has three new teddy bear volunteers.

The teddies were among 100 bears offered to charities. "It is a hard thing for anyone at any time to cope with the loss of a close relative, but for children it is particularly difficult," said Sue Williams, chairman of Andover branch of Cruse.

Counsellors at the charity are specially trained to help people deal with their loss.

Some children do not find it easy to talk to a stranger and it is hoped that asking them to talk to a teddy bear will make it easier to open up and come to terms with their grief.

The three new recruits will be at the annual meeting of the Andover branch of Cruse at 7.30pm on 23 June at the Upper Guildhall. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting where Andrew Bradley, coroner for north east Hampshire will be speaking.