Bear joins Sidmouth riding therapy team

Charlie Bear donated to EST Sidmouth from Exeter Airport duty free staff

A Sidmouth charity that provides riding therapy for children with special needs has welcomed a cuddly new member to its team.

A large teddy bear called Charlie Bear, has been donated by World Duty Free at Exeter Airport to the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) after being the star of a Christmas display at the airport’s World Duty Free shop.

Lauriel Harris, manager of EST Sidmouth said: “Charlie is absolutely adorable, we are very grateful to the staff at World Duty Free for donating him.

“He will now take pride of place in our playroom so that our children will be able to enjoy him while waiting for their riding therapy sessions.”

EST has been providing riding therapy since 1975 and around 180 children with special needs and disabilities visit the centre each week.

The centre also provides animal assisted therapy with visits to local nursing and residential homes.