Shropshire teddy bear is helping heroes

A unique Shropshire-made teddy bear is up for grabs next week to raise cash for Help For Heroes.

Ironbridge firm Merrythought Ltd, one of England's oldest toy manufacturers, has created "Ranger Killaloe".

Handmade and dressed in full desert camouflage, the bear goes up for auction at the Help For Heroes Reception held at Shrewsbury School on Tuesday.

After the auction, Ranger Killaloe will be flying straight out to Afghanistan to serve alongside 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.

Based at Tern Hill, the Regiment is currently deployed in Helmand Province. Once in Afghanistan, Ranger Killaloe will send his lucky owner updates from the frontline.

He'll return to Shropshire with his Royal Irish comrades at the end of their tour in 2011.

Ranger Killaloe will then enjoy the creature comforts of his new owner's home.

Sarah Holmes, marketing manager for Merrythought, said: "The team here at the Merrythought factory are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause.

"We hope that this very special, one-off teddy-bear not only raises plenty of money but also proves a lucky mascot to the Royal Irish troops deployed in Afghanistan."

Shropshire's Help for Heroes co-ordinator Ian Sawers said it was a great chance to raise funds.

He said: "I am very grateful to Merrythought for making Ranger Killaloe and to all the event's sponsors who have ensured the charity will not have to pay for any overheads on the night."

Major Sean O'Hara from 1 R Irish says: "We are delighted to be able to facilitate the deployment of Ranger Killaloe on Op Herrick 13.

"After some operational training in Camp Bastion, he will fly forward and operate with our D Company, which is the Battle Group's operations company.

"Ranger Killaloe will visit the whole of the Battalion's area of operations and will experience frontline fighting first-hand. He will get sand in his boots and will deservedly earn his Afghanistan Operational Service Medal."

Bids for the bear can be made by email ian.sawers@h4hcounty.org.uk

Bidders should include the amount they would like to bid, along with their name and contact details and submit the bid no later than November 22.

Any bids received after this date will not be entered in to the auction.