TEDDIES on the telly was just one of the highlight’s of the latest DVD offering from Colchester Hospital Television.

The channel makes programmes for more than 3,000 people who live in residential care homes and people who use the Essex Libraries Housebound Service.

In its latest two-hour DVD, the programmes include a feature on the charity work achieved by Essex Freemasons, such as the anniversary of supplying 750,000 teddy bears to children in hospitals.

Ken Powell, spokesman for the Essex Freemasons, explained more about the TLC Project in which Teddy bears are given to every child who arrives for treatment at the hospital. He said: “We discovered that one significant way of reducing trauma is for nursing staff to give a teddy bear for the child to cuddle.

“Essex Freemasons have provided these Teddies locally since 2001 and from this initiative the TLC teddy bear appeal is now a Freemason nationwide project.”

Other items on the DVD include this year’s Gang Show from Colchester’s Mercury Theatre.

CHTV is working on programmes for next year and is once again looking for sponsorship. Details can be obtained by calling 01206 824100.