PENSIONER Doreen Room is again calling the people of Swindon to get out their knitting needles, pick up the easy pattern, gather some left-over wool scraps and make a teddy bear for children in Romania.

An idea that she had from seeing a cute little bear in a church in Yorkshire where she was the guest speaker has grown into a very special tradition.

This year's service of dedication and thanksgiving will be held at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Moredon Road, Rodbourne Cheney, on Sunday, February 10, at 3pm.

Bears knitted by volunteers will be displayed in the church ready to be sent to orphanages.

People who want to get involved can create their own bear, enclose a donation of £2 towards the cost of lorry diesel, and bring them along to the service in February.

Full details and a simple pattern sheet are available from Doreen, who can be contacted on Swindon 527226, or by sending a stamped, addressed envelope to 53, Akers Way, Swindon, SN2 2NF.