Knitters are on a tight teddy bear deadline as submissions close on 1st August to take part in the Brave Bears charity challenge.

Crafters across the county are being asked to take part and help create cuddly and colourful knitted bears for local charities working with children in times of need.

The project has been supported by the Arts Development Team at Newark and Sherwood District Council along with Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, the Miner2Major Landscape Partnership Scheme, Nottinghamshire Police, and Creative Lives.

Textile designer Megan Crook has designed knitting and crochet patterns for the Brave Bears, whose tops are emblazoned with a special Sherwood Forest acorn motif.

These are available, alongside helpful ‘how to’ videos from Megan herself, on the Inspire website or from your local Inspire Library or Inspire at the Buttermarket, Newark.

Coun Rowan Cozens, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see people using their creative skills to benefit others. This project highlights the mutual benefit of art which is both therapeutic to make and offers enjoyment for those who go on to see it. 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.”

Completed bears can be donated to any Inspire Library. Those received by Tuesday 1 August will take part in Brave Bears: The Teddy Bears Picnic Exhibition at Mansfield Central Library Gallery from Tuesday 15 August to Wednesday 27 September.

Find out more, including the downloadable patterns and ‘how to’ videos, by visiting inspireculture.org.uk/knit.