A WELL-KNOWN figurehead from Bolton has been kidnapped and is being held to ransom.

The cuddly figure is in serious danger of having the stuffing knocked out of him if the public do not pay up ...

The character in question, already "well worn" with only one eye, is the teddy bear mascot belonging to St John Ambulance.

He became the charity's mascot 12 years ago after being donated by his Bolton owner John Bamping.

The drama unfolded when the vice-president of the charity's Rochdale's branch Eileen Taylor received a bizarre postcard through the letter box.

It urged the bemused St John's Ambulance official to "co-operate", or the teddy bear "gets it".

Now John, aged 18, is hoping locals will help track him down -- by donating to the voluntary body which helps save lives at public events.

The more money that is put forward, the more information will be released about the teddy bear's whereabouts.

Missing

John's mother, Kathleen, of St Helens Road, Over Hulton, explained: "Teddy has been a mascot at the St John Ambulance ever since John was six years old and a cadet.

"He even had a uniform made for it. This is definitely not a hoax. The bear was last seen when it went to camp in Barnston on the Wirral in July. We didn't even realise that it was missing until this cheeky postcard was sent to the Vice-President."

John, who is now a fully-fledged member of the St John Ambulance and is hoping to start training as a paramedic soon, is hoping his childhood teddy bear, a family heirloom, will now turn up safe and well.

Kathleen said: "There has been so much tragedy about lately, that it makes a change to read something light-hearted.

"Obviously, this isn't a case of life or death. The St John Ambulance does so much good work and has a very serious image.

"But this sort of stunt, just shows how they also have a great deal of fun and are one big happy family."

Donations to help bring the bear to safety should be sent to: Rochdale St John Ambulance, 3 Spring Mill Walk, Smallbridge, Rochdale, OL16 2PF.