Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of Ludlow’s residents, businesses, and local groups, more than 250 teddy bears have been donated, ready to find new homes during the upcoming Ludlow Winter Festival starting tomorrow, Friday, November 22.

Local Scouts and Beaver groups kindly donated their teddy bears to the initiative. PCB Solicitors, alongside their customers and Moor Park School, played a key role in collecting pre-loved bears. Tracey Richardson generously contributed brand-new bears from brands like Care Bears, Me to You Bears, and Aurora World.

You can adopt a Teddy Bear on Saturday, November 23 outside Ludlow College, families and individuals are welcome to adopt a cuddly companion for a "pay what you can" donation.

All funds raised will go to the Mayor’s Charities, Working Together Ludlow and Midlands Air Ambulance.

Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Beverley Waite said: "We hope this event brings joy to families who may find Christmas difficult this year. By adopting a bear for a pay-what-you-can fee, every child in Ludlow can have the chance to snuggle a bear this Christmas. The kind donations we have received are truly heartwarming."

As well as the Teddy Adoption, Ludlow Winter Festival features Friday late-night shopping, craft markets, shows at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, music and poetry at St Laurence’s Church as well as live performances during the Christmas Light Switch on. The lights will be switched on at 5.30 pm.

For the full line-up and information on ticketed events, visit: ludlow.gov.uk