IF you go down to Woodsfold today, you're sure of a big surprise!

For one of the region's biggest Christmas tree outlets is offering Brewster, their baby bear, as a present this year.

Brewster, carved from wood by a chain saw artist, has joined the sales team at Woodsfold Sawmill, Withnell.

North West Water have put him up as a prize in a competition among customers who buy trees grown organically on their nearby estates.

To win Brewster for Christmas, all they have to do is dream up a name for his big brother -- a seven feet high brown bear in green overalls!

He too was carved from wood and, like Brewster, features among several seasonal attractions at the sawmill. Visitors can also see the real live fallow deer on the woodland trail -- a new environmental feature at Woodsfold which opened earlier this year.

The sawmill also has a Santa's grotto and a refreshment bar.

Retail manager David Wharton said: "It's a good family day out with trees held at 1998 prices. People can select their own for as little as £6 and take home free gifts into the bargain."

Sales take place until December 24. The sawmill will be open on Saturday, December 23, from 9am-4pm, when staff will make the draw for Brewster and deliver him on Christmas Eve to the winner.

Around 5,000 trees are sold at Woodsfold each December and North West Water also provides Norway spruce trees up to 40 feet high for civic displays in many of the region's major cities and towns.

This year Woodsfold has supplied trees to Bolton, Liverpool and Warrington and provided others free for nominated local charities.

"We like to think our trees add to the Christmas spirit in so many places," said David. WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT: Dave Wharton with Brewster the Bear.