WAR HEROES and assassinated police officers will be among those who will be remembered on a village's new memorial.

Plans for a landscaped memorial area in front of St Paul's Church in Croft Road, Woldingham, have been submitted to Tandridge District Council.

The new memorial would replace the current rotting wooden structure inside the church.

All being well, it would be installed before Remembrance Day 2014 – the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Liam O'Connor, the London-based architect behind the scheme, also designed the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park by Hyde park Corner.

He proposes erecting two stone plinths – one with a wreath carved in contrasting stone – listing almost 50 former villagers who died either in action or in service of their community.

Four stone benches and lines of low yew hedges would "create a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance", according to the planning application.

Peter Johnson, of Butlers Dene Road, who is chairman of the memorial appeal committee, said: "As a 1940 baby, I have often thought that I owe my life today to such as those whom we now seek to remember properly in Woldingham.

"We are the only village in Surrey which does not have an external stone memorial to the war dead, and others."

He said the memorial will link to National Curriculum studies for children at nearby Woodlea Primary School, as well as providing a focus for future Remembrance Day events.

Mr Johnson said if the plan gets assent from the council and Southwark diocese, a village-wide appeal will be launched in the autumn.

But he said it was still too early to say how much it will cost.

Christopher Roberts, a churchwarden at St Paul's, said the present wooden memorial in the church is irreparable with woodworm.

Among those who will be commemorated on the new memorial will be William T Barden.

The 28-year-old died in 1912 in one of the first-ever submarine disasters.

The boat he was on collided with HMS Hazard during trials in the Solent, and all 14 crew members died.

Another prominent ex-serviceman who will feature is Pilot Officer Owen Jenkins.

He was gunned down by a German pilot as he parachuted down over Woldingham in 1940.

The memorial will not be limited to service personnel.

Father and daughter Raymond and Linda Baggley – who both served with the Royal Ulster Constabulary – will also be commemorated.

Mr Baggley was shot dead by a gunman while on foot patrol in Northern Ireland in 1974, aged 42.

Cruelly, his daughter, aged just 19, suffered the same fate two years later, when she was shot in the neck.

A PROJECT which regenerated scrubland into a beautiful wild meadow has been recognised with a national award.

The Riverhill project, in Cobham, has won an award for community engagement from the Open Spaces Society.

The project, which was the idea of the Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust, and was implemented in partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council, transformed the Riverhill site from an unattractive area into an accessible space, with a viewing platform to allow visitors to fully appreciate the new environment.

The Open Spaces Society's chairman, Tim Crowther, presented the award to David Tipping, vice-chairman of the trust, and Laura Richardson, of Elmbridge Borough Council, at the society's annual meeting in Birmingham, on July 16.

Mr Crowther said: "The way in which Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust has galvanised all-round support for a very successful public open space initiative has been outstanding.

" It is a striking example of how best to get local people active and involved in a community project.

"Elmbridge Borough Council deserves recognition too for the vital part it played in getting this project to a successful conclusion."

A ROCK and pop choir has raised more than £2,000 for the Orpheus Centre.

The Voicerox Choir raised a total of £2,600 for the Godstone-based charity, which uses performance arts to promote personal development among its pupils.

The money was raised by the Redhill and Reigate group during its summer concert at the Hawth Theatre, in Crawley, on June 28.

Now in its fourth year, the choir was formed by Mel Lewis in 2009, whose singing credits include working for Jessie J, Grace Jones and Kylie Minogue. It was set up so those with or without experience could get together and enjoy singing music.

Writing on the group's website Ms Lewis said: "Congratulations to all members of Voicerox Choir for a great two performances.

"We received a wonderful reception at the Chorus Festival at the South Bank in May – and our summer concert at the Hawth Theatre was our best."

Choir rehearsals take place on Tuesdays at Reigate Community Centre from 7.45 to 9.30pm.

For more information, visit www.voiceroxchoir.com

MOTORISTS and residents are divided over a bid to stop a Dorking road being used as a cut-through.

Surrey County Council put up a "no entry expect for access" sign at the entrance to Vincent Road last week after residents complained the road was unsuitable for high volumes of traffic.

The sign prohibits use of the road "except for access to premises or land adjacent to the road, where there is no other route" and is enforced by Surrey Police.

But drivers argue the road is invaluable during peak traffic hours and residents have "no right" to claim the street for themselves.

Mike Harrison, who lives just outside Dorking, said: "It was a very good cut-through if you didn't want to go all the way round the one-way system, which is obviously a nightmare during rush hours.

"I think it is the most stupid terminology going as it says the road is only for access but that is exactly what any road is for and it is the reason I and many others choose to use it.

"The residents have no right to claim it over any other user; I pay my rates and therefore I have the right to use it as I see fit."

Trevor Swann works in Coldharbour and says he regularly used the cut-through to get to his home in Rose Hill, Dorking, but now journey times have increased by up to 20 minutes.

He continued: "It is really annoying because if you come from Coldharbour Lane you have to go through the whole one-way system to get into town and it is just mayhem at peak hours.

"The cut-through via Vincent Road meant that the traffic was eased around West Street as people could divert around it completely, but now you do not stand a chance."

However, Vincent Road resident Daniel Smith said: "The road is far too narrow for these cars and they race down here like maniacs.

"They use it as a rat-run and I've had my wing mirror knocked off a few times. They should stop being selfish about it and put up with waiting for a few extra minutes."

A Surrey County Council spokesman added: "We have installed the sign as a permanent measure at the request of residents who were understandably concerned about the number and speeds of vehicles using the road as a cut-through, a purpose for which it is not suitable."

A GRANDMOTHER who was diagnosed with terminal cancer just days before her 60th birthday has thanked her friends and colleagues, after inspiring them to raise thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Theresa Harris stood outside Sainsbury's, in Redhill, to greet two of her colleagues at the Station Road supermarket who had just completed a sponsored walk across the borough.

Kerry Hearn and Sharon Allan raised more than £1,000 on the walk, which took them through Salfords, Woodhatch, Southpark, Reigate, Merstham and the Watercolour estate, before finishing at Redhill Sainsbury's. It is the latest in a long line of fundraising activities staff at the food store have undertaken since learning of Mrs Harris's condition.

Speaking after the event, Mrs Harris said: "I've had a lot of support from all my colleagues at work and from the management and everyone – it's been overwhelming. It's been heart-wrenching actually, it's such a close-knit community at work and it's not until something like this happens you realise."

She added her diagnosis is terminal, though she continues to undergo treatment.

"I was rushed to hospital and they carried out tests and found the cancer in my liver. They've told me they can't do anything for it. I just hope the chemo keeps it controlled."

Mrs Harris names her 18-month-old granddaughter Olivia as one of her biggest motivations.

"She's one of the biggest reasons, along with my husband, why I want to live longer than they [doctors] gave me."

Sales assistant Miss Hearn, 25, added: "It was brilliant to see Theresa's face at the end and to see her waving at us.

"It all makes it much more personal and we have a lot more feeling in it because we knew it was someone we worked with."

A MYSTERIOUS military base has left a group of experts bamboozled – and they need your help in identifying its use.

Volunteers and workers from the National Trust and Surrey County Archaeological Unit spent two days clearing the overgrown site and structure on Reigate Hill, which lies nearly 200 metres from Reigate Fort.

It was originally believed to be an observation post, but the project team are not convinced.

"Reigate Hill and this unidentified structure are still very much a mystery to us," said Paul Bowen, a military historian and member of the Front Line Surrey Hills team.

"There's 100 years of Surrey's military history here with Reigate Fort, various unidentified structures and the site of a tragic Second World War plane crash.

"Despite this, we still know very little about the area's military history.

"We would be so pleased to hear from readers who remember Reigate Hill during the Second World War; what structures do they recall on the hill? Who was based there? What were the buildings used for?"

The base has two entrances, four windows on the south-facing side and several ventilation holes, and measures roughly 8m long and 3m wide.

According to members of the team it doesn't appear to occupy a defensive position.

If you think you can help identify the origins of the mysterious base, call Paul Bowen directly on 07968 832 367 or e-mail paul.bowen@surreycc.gov.uk

RESIDENTS in some parts of Tandridge district may live up to five years less, compared to people in other parts of the county. The discrepancy was discussed at a debate on The Role of Tandridge District Council in Health.

Helen Atkinson, Surrey's acting director of Public Health said "vulnerable" areas – Warlingham East, Godstone, Chaldon and the Portley ward of Caterham – had a relatively shorter lifespan.

She said: "Life expectancy is significantly below the Surrey average in these wards – up to five years for females and three years for males. This is a significant issue."

Ways discussed to resolve this issue include promoting stop smoking sessions, promoting healthier diets and fitness, improved housing conditions and better healthcare for elderly people. The debate on July 2, heard that almost one in four adults in the district are classified as obese and residents are also more at risk of heart disease and strokes.

HOPE is finally in sight that a long-standing Caterham eyesore may be developed.

The former Pinewood car showroom and garage site in Chaldon Road has gradually become a wasteland since it shut down in 2006.

The building was initially targeted by arsonists and graffiti vandals, before being demolished the following year.

Now a plan for a mixture of flats, business premises and retail use has been submitted to Tandridge District Council for the land, which was boarded up last year.

A scheme for 14 flats, two business units and a retail site, together with 25 parking spaces, is proposed. It follows public consultation, including a residents' workshop meeting in February which thrashed out plans for the derelict land.

Sarah Burningham, who chairs Caterham on the Hill Parish Council, said: "We are in favour of this plan.

"We want this site developed because its an eyesore.

"I believe the building was demolished following various acts of vandalism.

"An honest attempt was made to consult local residents and come up with a development in accordance with the public's wishes.

"Caterham on the Hill has become something of a dormitory town, with many jobs lost locally over the years. An element of mixed commercial uses will being some employment back".

Mrs Burningham said the site has presented a poor image of Caterham, standing at one of the "gateways" to the town.

Last year, Graham Tapley, the organiser of Meet Caterham Business conventions, highlighted the Pinewood site as being among a handful of notorious eyesores which were dragging the town down.

He too welcomed the scheme, saying: "What has been proposed is in line with what people wanted at the workshop meeting – not just flats, but also with a shop and some business units."

Mr Tapley added it was a pity that the other highlighted eyesore sites still remain undeveloped.

Alan Weston, of Weston Architects, based in Stafford Road, Caterham, is the planning agent for the scheme.

He said: "The public consultation was very successful.

"A mixture of retail, business units and residential were the preferences expressed by the residents."

A planning application seven years ago for 21 flats there was rejected by Tandridge District Council and by a planning inspector at a subsequent appeal.

The father of actor Bill Nighy, whose well-known roles include starring in Love Actually and Doctor Who, used to manage the garage, and he lived in the house next door as a child.

CAMAPIGNERS have written to the Queen asking them to save their church.

Historic St Leonard's Church in Chelsham, which is 900 years old, faces a "slow death" under a controversial plan to downgrade it, parishoners fear.

Dismayed regulars at the picturesque church are hoping to complete a 500-name petition after plans were announced to make it a chapel of ease.

That status would mean the formerly busy church would lose weekly Sunday morning services – and only occasional services would be held there.

Church secretary Gillian Cooper of Hillbury Road, Warlingham, said: "This plan is unthinkable, and would be a shortcut to the church's slow death.

"Several members have said that, if such a proposal is forced on St. Leonard's, they would leave the church and would certainly not attend any other local church.

"The Diocese of Southwark is missing a golden opportunity to encourage and grow St. Leonard's, a church within 15 miles of central London, yet an oasis of calm and beauty."

She added St Leonard's is in a beautiful rustic setting, and has been very popular for weddings over the years.

So attractive is the site it has been used for filming – former chart topper Duncan James from boy band Blue was among the cast who filmed there for a Channel 4 comedy drama series.

Former Tandridge District Council chairman Iain Pavely and his wife Fran regularly attend services at the threatened church.

Mrs Pavely, of Bletchingley Road in Godstone, said: "Its a very close-knit congregation. We are deeply saddened that the diocese is taking this step since it is effectively to close St Leonard's.

"The church is debt-free and well looked after by caring volunteers.

"Should the church become a Chapel of Ease St Leonard's would soon show signs of neglect and lack of care."

Two "save St Leonard's" petitions are under way.

Jackie Stacey, who is organising a written petition, has also written to The Queen and Prince Charles seeking their support.

Mrs Stacey, who travels to the church from Croydon each Sunday, said: "I fell in love with St Leonard's when I first saw it, and got married there three years ago.

"We are confident we will soon have 500 signatures to present to the Bishop of Southwark's office."

An online petition is at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-st-leonards-church

Buried in the churchyard is Thomas Kelly – Chelsham's own answer to Dick Whittington.

Brought up in poverty in the late 18th century, he eventually became Lord Mayor of London.

Kelly Sunday is held in his honour each summer.

A Southwark Diocese spokesman said the church had a manpower problem.

He explained: "We are evaluating the most appropriate use of the limited number of clergy that we can deploy.

"One possibility would be to change the status of St Leonard's Church so there is greater flexibility of worship there.

"At present there are no definite plans but a very informal consultation is taking place.

"If St Leonard's were to become a Chapel of Ease it would help ensure that regular acts of worship continue in the church.

"The church would remain licensed for marriage services."

A CHIPSTEAD doctor has set out on a 10,000-mile charity road trip – in a nine-year-old Smart car.

Dr Ian McCurdie, 53, and co-driver Paul Chambers are taking part in the gruelling Mongol Rally across Asia, in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

After months of preparation, they left on Sunday, July 14. Crossing 18 different countries from Sussex to Ulan Bator, their journey will take six weeks and cover about 10,000 miles.

The rally is for small cars, and the competitors take part unsupported across some testing terrain. No Smart car has ever completed it.

Before he set out, Dr McCurdie said: "It's been a long haul getting ourselves ready for this huge challenge and we really can't thank our sponsors, supporters and families enough for all of their endless encouragement. Our objective is to enjoy an epic adventure while raising money for important causes. Every penny that we raise will go to charity as we are paying all of our own costs."

To follow his progress, go to www.oldbluesbrothers.com or follow his adventure on twitter @OldBluesBros. To sponsor Dr McCurdie, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MongolRallyforCRY

AN ARTIST has continued his mission to liven up grot spots and old walls by painting a mural behind the former Liquid and Envy nightclub in Redhill.

Tim Stiling – who goes by the art name Uncle Stubble and whose other work includes a mural near the new West Central café in London Road, Redhill – has completed the piece to replace the usual graffiti tags that blight disused buildings and walls.

Speaking about his new work on the Songhurst Memorial Hall, he said: "With the old walls being an irresistible site for unsightly tags, the idea was to produce a bright and colourful mural to go over these tags and to also represent the good things that take place in the hall.

"The girl painted looking at the 'fruit face' on the wall is actually my step-granddaughter, so the pressure was on for me to recreate a good likeness.

"I've also been doing some work at the local YMCA, and hope to keep on brightening up the local area."

AN INTREPID student has set off on the cycle ride of a lifetime.

Former Royal Alexandra and Albert School pupil Ross Gardner, 18, is currently riding 1,400 miles from Sumas, on the US-Canada border, all the way down the west coast of America to San Diego.

Carrying everything he needs in three bags strapped to the side of his bicycle, and with no support or companions, Ross hopes to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.

So far, he has raised almost £1,499.65 to combat the disease which affected both his granddad and his dog.

"My granddad died four years ago," he told the Mirror.

"It affected the whole family so much, everyone loved him and it hit us so hard.

"Then my dog got it too. It showed how wide an effect it can have and it really can hit anyone."

Ross's beloved pooch survived its battle with cancer, but with so many others affected, and in his granddad's memory, Ross was inspired to do his bit.

So, in the three months between finishing school and starting his degree in mechanical engineering at Cardiff, he is hitting the road.

Ross is aiming to ride between 40 to 60 miles each day, resting every fifth day.

But with his bags creating massive wind resistance on the sides of the bike, Ross is under no impression the trip will be easy.

"Probably finding places to sleep will be difficult. It will never go exactly to plan, that's what I'm worried about," he said before setting off.

"I don't know anyone out there. If I was doing this with a group it would be different, but it's a big country and I've just got little me."

For information, visit www.justgiving.com/smallguylongride

A GROUP of bereaved youngsters have been given a special behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant of former TV chef Tony Tobin.

Mr Tobin, who was a regular on Ready, Steady, Cook, invited the children on the tour of The Dining Room restaurant, in Reigate, as part of his work as patron of family bereavement charity Jigsaw.

The children, who have all been through Jigsaw's family grief support groups, were treated to some of his homemade brownies and interviewed him for the charity's quarterly newsletter.

Nickey Price, Jigsaw's operations manager, said: "In the short time that Tony Tobin has joined us as a patron, he has already made a big impression and helped to spread the word about our work. The impact of bereavement can be devastating and have a major impact on children's home life, school and friendships.

"It may also affect their health, behaviour and ability to cope in school.

"By participating in positive, inspiring and interesting activities such as this – alongside our dedicated grief support groups – it can help to give young people a boost and think beyond their loss."

A ONCE-BAD school has achieved a "rags to riches" upturn in fortunes in the space of just 16 months.

In Spring 2012, Warlingham Village Primary School was plunged into special measures after an Ofsted report branded it "inadequate".

The 200-pupil school in Farleigh Road was given the lowest possible grade after an inspection said there had been "significant under-achievement" at the school.

Pupils' attainment in English and maths was lower than in the previous inspection four years earlier, when the school was rated "satisfactory". But in an impressive about turn, the school has now won a "good" rating following the latest inspection earlier this month.

The report concluded that standards have risen rapidly – particularly in maths – pupils are well-behaved, teaching has improved significantly, and senior staff and governors have overseen "rapid" improvements.

Head teacher Geoff Green, said: "I'm ecstatic about the outcome, but even more ecstatic about the superb support parents have given us throughout this stage.

"Soon after last year's report, we held a meeting with parents – and many of them were shocked that we were being made out to be a bad school.

"But halfway through the meeting one parent got up and said we should all stop the moaning and plan how we were going to positively improve."

Measures introduced to revive the school's fortunes included raising targets, an in-depth look at how lessons were taught, less talking by teachers and more pupils' action in the classrooms.

A link-up with the Epsom-based Glyn Learning Foundation (GLF) has seen staff from there shadowing lessons locally. Warlingham Village Primary School, like near-neighbours Marden Lodge Primary School in Caterham, is set to become an academy school from September.

This would give it more independence from local authority control including freedom to depart from parts of the National Curriculum and the ability to change the length of school days.

The school's chairman of governors Stuart Mitchenall, said: "The school has shown it fundamentally has the capability to be outstanding.

"It has improved dramatically in a short space of time.

"If one had said that would be the case a year ago, many would have doubted it.

"It's to the great credit of the staff who, supported by the leadership and parents, were told what was wrong, knuckled down and put it right."

THE mother of a former de Stafford School pupil who walked in front of a train with her baby son feels she has been insensitively treated by Croydon Safeguarding Children's Board (CSCB) officers dealing with inquiries into their deaths.

Carol Oettinger was living with her daughter, Donna, and grandson, Zachary, in Riddlesdown, Croydon, when the pair were hit by a train near Riddlesdown Station on March 22.

The bereaved mother and grandmother is waiting for the results of three inquiries – from the British Transport Police, a serious case review by CSCB and another by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM).

Clive Reed, Carol's ex-partner and friend, told the Mirror she had been treated with insensitivity by police officers organising a meeting held by the CSCB.

"There was a meeting on June 25 which Carol was told about by letter a week beforehand," he said.

"It said she would have to complete a presentation about what childcare got right, what they got wrong and what improvements she would like to see.

"Carol has never done any public speaking before, but it said she could bring an 'objective adult' with her, so I said I would come and we would write it together.

"Then she got a call a few days before and the officer said no, she would be allotted someone by them, or she would have to bring a solicitor.

"How could she stand up in a room full of strangers and talk about the most emotive and terrible thing that has ever happened to her?

"It was so insensitive she decided she just couldn't go. I was there when she got off the phone and she just cried and cried, it was awful. I was outraged by it."

A spokesman from the CSCB confirmed its invitation was not taken up by Carol Oettinger.

"Safeguarding boards are implementing a number of new approaches to serious case reviews," he said.

"We have been keen to explore the way in which family members can feed into the process, and in this case a family member was invited to attend one of the learning sessions.

"The invitation was, however, not taken up."

Mr Reed said his friend was also anxious to hear the results of the SLaM inquiry because she feels Donna's mental health treatment for her severe anxiety was not good enough.

A SLaM spokesman said: "We are currently carrying out a thorough internal review of Donna Oettinger's care and treatment.

"We take the death of any patient extremely seriously and our thoughts are with the family."

The British Transport Police said it has handed evidence to the coroner.

MORE than 3,000 allegations of misconduct, including assault, corruption and unlawful arrest, have been made against Surrey police officers in the last two years, the Mirror can reveal.

The figures, which were released following a Freedom of Information request, show that during 2011 and 2012 – which are the most up-to-date figures available – 1,175 complaints were made to Surrey police, featuring a total of 3,147 allegations.

Among the more serious accusations were 300 for assault, 39 regarding irregularity in evidence and perjury, and 23 allegations of corruption.

The information released to the Mirror reveals the majority of allegations – 2,026 – were either not upheld or were withdrawn or discontinued, leading some to suggest they may be "nuisance claims" made by criminals looking to get back at the officers who arrested them.

Claims that were upheld included complaints of breaching the Police and Criminal Evidence Act with regard to entering or seizing property, unlawful arrest and improper disclosure of information.

Former police inspector Mike Ledwidge, who was a police officer for 29 years, said he had known of spurious complaints being made.

"Many of the complaints are obviously used as a way of attacking the service," he said. "A number of complaints are revenge or complainants trying to reduce the issues for them, but I'm also conscious of the fact that there are some [officers] who behave badly."

He added that pressure to meet Government targets could have led to more allegations – particularly those around false arrest.

"The problem is that the job's very difficult and the people the police deal with will almost always be the difficult ones. But another of the problems has been Government targets. If you get targets for arrests then maybe you arrest them when you shouldn't or otherwise wouldn't."

Nathan Rees, a spokesman for Surrey Police, said: "Surrey Police takes all complaints extremely seriously and will work hard with the complainant to resolve them to their satisfaction. The force expects high standards from all staff and has a Professional Standards Department (PSD) dedicated to investigating complaints, identifying learning and sharing good practice."

He added that appropriate action was always taken when a complaint or allegation was upheld.

A SINGER who grew up in Little Bookham took a break from her busy schedule touring around the country to visit the Children's Trust in Tadworth.

Classically-trained soprano Natalie Coyle was delighted to meet children and staff last month, and hear about how music plays an important role in the specialist care the Trust provides to some of the UK's most severely disabled children.

Miss Coyle, 25, studied music therapy as part of her dissertation at Sheffield University and has always had a very keen interest in the subject.

She said: "While studying music at university, I specialised in music therapy and how music can be used as a treatment.

"It has been known for many years that music can act as a language for people with disabilities who cannot use speech and, alongside medicine, can help with treatment.

"I was keen to see how cutting-edge the treatment was at the Children's Trust, and how the children benefit from the music therapy rooms.

"Having suffered from severe dyslexia at school, I turned to music. Music changed my life and now I am lucky enough to have a career as a singer – I am truly honoured to work alongside the Children's Trust in Surrey, where I grew up, and I hope I can make a small difference."

The 25-year-old singer has pledged her support to the children's charity and is planning to take part in future fundraising events that involve musical entertainment.

Miss Coyle, who has sung with the likes of Susan Boyle and Katherine Jenkins, was touring the country with Classic Brit Award winners Blake when she visited the charity on June 13.

The visit came after the former St Teresa's pupil enjoyed performing in front of thousands of football fans at Wembley Stadium.

She sang the national anthem at the home of football in May for the Championship play-off final, in which Crystal Palace beat Watford in extra time to secure a place in the Premier League.

It was her second time at Wembley, having sung the national anthem to 50,000 people at the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final in April.

TEDDY bears designed to help young children in distress have been delivered to paramedics in Mole Valley.

The small teddies have been donated by the Leatherhead Lions Club and are dressed in paramedic uniform to be used by crews at the ambulance stations in Leatherhead and Dorking.

The paramedics will give the toys, called ParaTeds, to young children on emergency call-outs, to help calm them while their injuries are assessed.

Mark Hodsall, operations manager for South East Coast Ambulance Service, said: "We have been involved with the Leatherhead Lions for many years and their supply of ParaTeds has been invaluable.

"They are an excellent way of gaining a child's confidence when you need to carry out an examination, such as using a stethoscope, by showing what will happen on ParaTed first.

"We can show that ParaTed isn't worried and that they shouldn't be either," he added. "Sometimes we are dealing with a parent who is unwell and the child can hold ParaTed while we examine mum or dad, if they can't be parted.

"It provides a friendly focal point for a child's attention in the back of an ambulance, which can to some be a quite scary place to a youngster."

Paramedics have found most toys work well in calming down a child but distress is caused when they ask for the toy back – something that is avoided with ParaTeds. Mr Hodsall continued: "The child can hold ParaTed for the journey to hospital, but the great thing is, that they do not have to hand them back, as the Lions donate enough for us to give them away.

"This makes the whole experience much more relaxing and relieves their fears if they ever have to be in an ambulance again."

Some of the crew members have been so impressed they have passed on some of their experiences with ParaTed to other crews in the county.

Mike Rushby, spokesman for the Leatherhead Lions Club, said: "It really pleasing to know that the medical staff can obtain urgent medical information about a child's condition when the children are telling teddy how they feel.

"Any contributions towards the cost of further purchases would be most welcome, as the demand for the teddies is very constant."

For more information or to donate, visit www.leatherhead lions.org.uk