The beautiful, eye-catching and handcrafted polar bear and its cub, sculptured out of Redwood Pine, dazzling the Xmas-themed shop window of Mary's Living and Giving Shop in Teddington High Street is going up for auction, it was announced today.

The 'rocking horse' style bear and cub was donated to the shop by expert craftsman Trevor Wiffen, who is the father of one of the shop's many volunteers.

The coveted auction item has a reserve price of just £300 but Trevor's sought-after pieces of work usually sell for over £2000. All the proceeds will go directly to Save The Children UK.

Shop manager Jackie Beedle said: "The polar bear has proved to be really popular with everyone, especially youngsters who just stand and look through the window. We have had lots of enquiries about whether he is for sale. The sculpture would make a brilliant centre piece for an ice bar or hotel reception area."

It's easy to make a bid. All offers should be emailed to [email protected] with full details of name, email address and telephone number. The value of the current highest bid will be available on request.

The auction will end at 6pm on Friday 1st January 2021.

If you are interested you should visit the shop in Teddington High Street to get close enough to inspect the bear carefully before making a bid. The bear must be kept indoors and away from direct heat – but he doesn't need feeding!

The successful bidder will be able to collect the bear and its cub any time between Saturday, 2nd January and Saturday 9th January. Payment must be made in full at the shop and no refund will be available.

You can see more of Trevor's amazing work HERE