The fear of dentists, doctors and hospitals grips many of us – but a project is using teddy bears to help children feel at ease in those environments.

The Teddy Bear Hospital scheme, run by undergraduate medical and dental students at Queen Mary, University of London sees them visit primary schools in Tower Hamlets on a fortnightly basis.

Children aged between three and seven are encouraged to bring along their ‘sick’ teddy bears, with doctors and dentists on hand to help treat them.

The students behind the programme are also planning a “safety day” where schools across the borough are invited to learn about safety at home, in the playground and on roads.

It will be held on Wednesday, April 24 from 12.30pm, at the university Whitechapel campus in New Road. For more information, visit http://www.teddybear-hospital.co.uk.