ESSEX hospitals are holding an Olympic Games themed knitting competition.

Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust is encouraging people to make had knitted teddies with an Olympic theme asking people to make teddies that represent one of the 206 countries taking part in the Rio Olympic Games later this year.

The team will be accepting entries for the Rio 2016 Teddy Sports Star Competition until the end of the Olympics on Sunday, August 21.

The teddies will provide a cuddly distraction for children who are staying at Broomfield Hospital, Braintree Community Hospital or St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon.

There will be a gold, silver and bronze winner for each hospital who will have their teddies displayed, win a prize and have their photo taken with children and staff to be distributed internally and to the press.

Cathy Geddes, Chief Nurse at Mid Essex Hospitals said: "We are delighted to launch this competition and are excitedly anticipating the arrival of the first entries. It is an opportunity for the community to work together to help brighten children’s stays at our hospitals.

"We know from experience that there are some very talented knitters who create wonderful gifts to give to our patients and we hope that they will be inspired to join in.

“The competition will be a chance for everyone to get involved with the Olympic spirit and help our young patients.”

Teddies can be dropped off or posted to the Charities Team, Broomfield Court, Broomfield Hospital, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7ET.