SICK and needy children are cuddling up to teddy bears - thanks to the Evening Advertiser and Trademark Clothing and Gifts.

In all 100 Loveheart Bears have been donated to the Great Western Hospital and Olive House in Old Town, which helps children in need.

Maggie Freegard, play specialist at the GWH children's ward, said: "Patients are thrilled with the bears, which are extremely soft and cuddly. They brought lots of smiles. We received 40 of them so have some left to cheer people up in future weeks."

The remaining 60 bears were gratefully received at Olive House.

Jim Griffiths, director of Trademark Clothing and Gifts, based in Portsmouth, said: "We received 100 teddy bears which were no longer produced. They needed a home and we knew the Evening Advertiser would be able to find somewhere for them to be looked after and loved."