A TERRIFYING life-size leopard is going under the hammer next week at a special auction of collectable and rare Steiff teddy bears and rare creatures.

Malcolm Dowson, of Sherburn-in-Elmet, is holding an auction next Monday evening of 20 famous Steiff creatures including a very rare 5ft-tall leopard, crocodiles, rabbits, a donkey, lions, chipmunks and the traditional teddy bears.

This rare collection was given to an Acomb couple, who wish to remain anonymous, by an elderly woman living on the south coast of England.

Malcolm, who runs Malcolm's No One Auction in Boston Spa, said he has never seen such a huge collection of such rare stuffed animals in 15 years of being an auctioneer.

He said: "This really is a very unusual collection of Steiff creatures. From investigations I have made with some experts the 5ft leopard is very rare.

"Who knows what kind of money these creatures will raise - definitely into the thousands. As far as the leopard is concerned it's in the hands of the gods how much he will go for."

Every animal going under the hammer has the trademark gold or silver button in its ear which proves they are an original.

Malcolm added: "I just wish I had one to sell!"

The auction takes place at 6.30pm on Monday at the Trustees Hall in Boston Spa. Viewing is on Sunday between 1pm-6pm and Monday after 10am until selling starts.