A charity is asking people to ’adopt’ cuddly toys.

The Manx Blind Welfare Society was inundated with second-hand teddy bears and their friends after an appeal in the Courier.

The charity took donations of toys received at its Douglas-based charity shop, The VIP Store, and gave them a spa day, a new name and an official adoption certificate.

The shop and the MBWS headquarters in Corrin Court, Onchan, are currently closed because of lockdown.

The toys are now free to be adopted for a small fee, with all money received staying on the island to support the work of the society.

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Office manager Kerry Healey said: ’We are so grateful for the donations of toys we have received and we now have the most wonderful collection of toys ready for their new owners. Now, it is just a case of pairing them up with their new loving families.

’If you know anyone that would love some cuddles from one of our special cuddly friends, whether that’s a little girl or boy, a grandparent, auntie or sister - anyone at all - please get in touch.

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’All we request is for the new owner to take the Cuddly Wuddly Adoption Club pledge to be kind, protective, loving and faithful to their new friend.

’We’ve already sent a good number of Cuddly Wuddlies out across the island and on longer Cuddly missions in the UK.’

To see which toys are available go to www.mbws.org.im or www.facebook.com/theVIPStoreIOM and send a message to the charity.

The MBWS looks after the interests of more than 500 people with serious sight loss in the Isle of Man.

A team of staff, supported by more than 200 volunteers, provide a comprehensive range of services and support.