Dance teacher from Sunderland makes bears to salute Captain Tom Moore and key workers

A dance teacher from Sunderland has made bears of key workers and war veteran Captain Tom Moore to recognise their efforts during the coronavirus crisis.

Lucie Webster is out of work due to the Covid-19 outbreak and was keen to do something to salute the efforts of key workers such as her father Tom, who is a delivery driver.

So, she started making crocheting bears of nurses, doctors, postal workers, supermarket staff and the police.

The 26-year old learned how to make the bears from her grandmother when she was younger.

She said: "My uncle sent me the pattern and I'm always up for a new challenge."

Once finished, she puts the bears on display in the front window of her family home in the Roker area of Sunderland.

The bears have proved very popular with people passing by on their daily walks. She said:

"I've been having loads of requests on what to make next.

"Then on Saturday night I was watching Captain Tom Moore on the news and had the idea to make a bear of him."

99-year-old war veteran Captain Tom Moore has captured the hearts and imagination of the nation, raising more than £25 million for NHS Charities by walking 100 laps of his garden.

His cover of 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' with Michael Ball has now reached number one in the charts.

Captain Tom is also set to open the new Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate.

Lucie is sending the bear to Captain Tom Moore to be delivered in time for his 100th birthday on April 30.