AN army of teddy bears has been drafted in to give the Mayoress of Pendle's charity fund a flying start.

The three inch fluffy bears carry their own Pendle Witch logo and key ring and are already proving to be very popular.

Mayoress Gillian Carradice is hoping sales of the £1.50 teddies will bring in cash to support the work of the local Samaritans, Hospice Care for Burnley and Pendle and Pendle Dog Rescue.

She said: "The local organisations the Mayoress's charity fund is helping this year do a terrific job and have helped many, many people across the borough over the years. By buying a teddy people can do their bit to help them.

"At £1.50 they don't break the bank and if people buy them it will be a real boost to the fund.

"The Samaritans did a terrific job helping people face very difficult times during the foot and mouth crisis and it drained their finances. Now they need our help.

"The hospice runs a counselling service that helps bereaved children who have lost their parents. It is a quiet, unseen part of the hospice's work which needs support."

Local firms, organisations and shops who can sell the bears should ring 01282 867152.