Knitters required in Nottinghamshire to take part in Brave Bears charity challenge in collaboration with Newark and Sherwood District Council and Inspire

Creative and caring individuals are being encouraged to get involved with a scheme aiding children in times of need, writes Danny Davies.

The Brave Bears charity are asking for arts and crafts lovers across the county to help out with creating knitted bears, which they plan to donate to various regional children’s charities.

However, they are calling for anyone with the skills to create the bears to get involved as soon as possible, as the deadline for the challenge is closing soon on August 1.

The scheme has garnered the attention of many regional organisations and charities, such as the Arts Development Team at Newark and Sherwood District Council, as well as Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, the Miner2Major Landscape Partnership Scheme, Nottinghamshire Police and Creative Lives.

Colourful knitted and crocheted patterns have been created by textile designer Megan Crook for the Brave Bears charity, all of which feature an embroidered acorn to represent Sherwood Forest.

These patterns, as well as ‘how to’ guides, are available from the Inspire website, any of the Inspire Libraries or Inspire at the Buttermarket in Newark.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, said: “It’s wonderful to see people using their creative skills to benefit others.

“I’m proud of all the talented local crafters making Brave Bears and encourage anyone who can to get involved and submit your bears before the August deadline.”

The bears that can be donated to any Inspire Library, and any that are recieved by August 1 will be included in an exhibition at the Mansfield Central Library from August 15 to September 25.