A WETHERBY-BASED teddy bear artist has designed a one-off range of only ten collectable teddy bears that will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the formation of the celebrated Red Arrows RAF Aerobatic Team.

Kim Turner, of Bearability By Kim, whose creations have found homes in royal palaces, presidential homes and aeroplanes, has built a reputation for designing and manufacturing limited edition war veteran bears.

The elite flying bears have been commissioned by Robert Berry, owner of a speciality collector's shop in Lincoln, Paws For Thought, only five miles from the Red Arrows squadron base at RAF Scampton.

Having gained permission to use the copyright name of the Red Arrows, Kim was able to reproduce their red flying suits in detail, down to original authorised miniature RAF and Red Arrow squadron badges.

Each bear is 14 inches tall, made in chocolate-coloured mohair, and filled with shot and polyester. Each member of the Red Arrows Team has individually signed a card for each of the bears, and the squadron has donated a 40 Years Of Excellence collector's brochure to accompany each bear, which will retail at £295.

Updated: 09:34 Tuesday, July 20, 2004