But now three fund-raisers from Lee-on-the-Solent are calling on readers of The News to help them in their time of need.

Ann Gardner, her daughter Sarah Gardner and friend Jenny Moran make the bears from recycled material.

Every penny raised from selling them goes towards caring for animals at the Stubbington Ark.

But now supplies are getting so low that the women are appealing for help with donations of old materials and clothes.

Mrs Gardner, 53, who used to dress dolls for a living, said: 'We take old materials and turn them into something new and quirky that can brighten people's day.

'We need items of jewellery, broken or intact, and material such as lace, corduroy, fur and feather as our stocks are getting low.

'All the bits will be used to make up the fabulous costumes the bears wear to give them their distinctive look.'

The trio started making the bears almost five years ago when the Ark suffered severe financial difficulties.

People travel from miles around to see the women's latest additions and to order themed bears. A Madonna bear, complete with cone-shaped bra, has found a home as far away as Rome.

There are also popular Stubbington Ark Girl Bears, dressed as tasteful kissogram girls.

'I'd love to do the Village People,' said Mrs Gardner. 'But mini hard hats are impossible to find.'

Vanessa Eden, the head of fund-raising at Stubbington Ark, said: 'The bears have raised about £24,000 over the years for the Ark and the veterinary clinic in Southampton.

'They are all unusual and once you have one no-one else will have one the same.'

If you can donate material please take it to Stubbington Ark, or the Bridgemary Car Boot Sale Stubbington Ark bear stall on Sunday, October 5.