A GIANT Teddy bear known and loved by generations of children needs a retirement home.

Big Ted was bought by carpet store Normans 35 years ago to keep customers' children occupied.

But the shop in Swindon's Bridge Street is to close at the end of the month, and that means the 5ft bear needs a new home.

Managing director John Hopkins plans to gather names of prospective new owners on slips of paper and draw one from a hat.

Big Ted, along with two smaller panda friends, has been a favourite of children at the shop's current site, as well as at previous ones in Crown Street and the Brunel Centre.

Mr Hopkins, 67, said: "We have got six staff who have reached retirement age, including me, and with no future generations coming into the business we have decided to close.

"Over the years, Big Ted must have had thousands of children climbing over him and sitting on him.

"He must be all of five feet tall four feet when he is sitting down.

"Generations of Swindon children will recognise him he has been with the company for nearly as long as I have and he looks younger!

"If people phone in, we'll put the names in a hat, draw one name and deliver the bear."

Although Big Ted is clean and in good condition, generations of affectionate hands have left him with a bit of wear between the ears.

The store can be contacted on Swindon 531151.