A CHARITABLE cuddly bear looking to spread Christmas cheer throughout Colchester has just paid a visit to a popular wine shop.

Keith Wood, 55, has been helping lift sprits and raise money for good causes since the start of the lockdown by producing creative scenes using two giant teddy bears.

Located in his front garden, in Lexden Road front, the pair of fluffy toys have been depicted doing everything from servicing the cars to doing the ironing.

As a result of the bears’ popularity, Mr Wood has become known as the Bear Man of West Bergholt and even launched a special picture book documenting their exploits.

So far, he has raised more than £5,000 for Colchester Zoo and MS-UK, and most recently decided to pop into The Wine Centre in Great Horkesley.

Having seen a video of the shop’s elf, Katharine Brindle working very hard ahead of the Christmas rush, Mr Wood decided it was time for his bears to pay her a visit.

“The visit was arranged and immediately elf and the bears became the best of friends,” he said.

Keith Wood is now said to be planning a special Christmas book which is likely to be available from The Wine Centre later this month.