Two dentistry workers are hoping to raise smiles on the faces of poverty-stricken children in Ukraine by sending them 2,000 teddies.

Practice manager Jill Dean and receptionist Carolyn Hayes are appealing for people to make the hand-knitted toys based on a pattern called Teddies for Tragedy.

The scheme dates back to 1986, when hand-made bears were added to a consignment of medicines sent to a refugee camp in Sudan. Doctors were thrilled to see the toys cheer children up, with some youngsters smiling for the first time.

The teddies will be sent with a Yorkshire Aid convoy in March, but around 1,700 need to be knitted by the end of February.

To obtain the teddy knitting pattern, ring 01943 605058 or call into the practice on Valley Drive, Ben Rhydding, between 9am and 5pm.