Premature babies are finding comfort from knitted octopuses at Kingston Hospital, thanks to the charity Octopus for a Preemie.

The group of volunteers knits and crochets octopus and jellyfish soothers for the babies, as well as a keepsake heart for the parents.

Premature babies like to hold the tentacles, which resemble an umbilical cord, preventing them from pulling at their tubes and wires.

Marie Richter, Neonatal Unit matron at Kingston Hospital, said: β€œIt has been wonderful to work with Octopus for a Preemie and we are so grateful for the donations they give to our neonatal unit. The soothers help to comfort the babies in our unit and aid us in supporting worried parents.”