Businesses have been competing furry-ously to bag themselves a £250 prize whilst raising some much-needed cash for a charity.

The NSPCC's Colchester Business Group teamed up with Build-A-Bear for its #TheBearDiaries project, asking businesses to pay £25 for a cuddly bear and the opportunity to take part in the competition.

Over the past two-weeks, #TheBearDiaries has been trending across the east, with companies snapping pictures documenting how the stuffed animals have been getting on in their work experience.

Sarah Laffling, community fundraising manager for Essex and Suffolk, said: "The response of Colchester businesses has been truly heart-warming.

"The bears are doing some amazing things on their work experience, such selling beach huts, meeting celebrities and getting around the town.

"Everyone has taken the bears into their hearts and helped to raise a fantastic amount of money for such a wonderful cause, which help vulnerable children throughout Essex.”

A judging panel is set to consider the entries on Monday, before the winner is announced via social media on Tuesday.

The Gazette is one of the businesses to take part, and Report-a-Bear has been gathering news across Colchester.

Visit www.colchesternspccbusinessgroup.org.uk.