A CUDDLY bear designed by a Hayward schoolgirl is to become a regular feature at Bolton's Market Place shopping centre.

Tara Cooke, aged 11, won a schools' competition held by the shopping centre to design a "cuddly character". She received £100 worth of shopping vouchers plus a £500 prize for her school.

Tara was invited to a special presentation along with her mother and her art teacher, Mrs Carol Parkes, who entered the class in the competition.

There, she met her bear who handed over her original design which has been framed by Art Incorporated in the Market Place.

The bear has yet to be named but will become the new logo for the centre's kids' club which will be launched on June 28 with a town centre parade and other special events.

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