If you go down to an auction house very soon, you’re sure of a big surprise – with more than 400 unique bears up for grabs.

Mitchell’s Antiques and Fine Art Auctions, in Cockermouth, is hosting its very first Teddy Bear Sale this month, with top-quality makes including Steiff, Merrythought, Deans, Bruin and Lakeland Bears all waiting to be snapped up by lucky antique-lovers.

All 440 bears are in excellent condition, having barely been played with, and most even have their original boxes and packaging – which is good news for serious collectors.

The sale is due to take place at 10am on May 11, with something for everyone on offer.

Beginning with the Steiff bears, there are several ‘Fruities’ – valued between £50-£80 – with bears modelled as individual fruits, including a pear, strawberry, tomato, orange and green pepper.

Also in the Steiff collection is the Four Seasons Teddy Bears, a Steiff Bear and matching Steiff Aeroplane – estimated at a value of £70-£100 – and a group of bears representing western culture.

Three limited edition Cherished Teddy Bear Steiff toys are also available, estimated at £50-£80.

Merrythought bears will also be making an appearance, with Cheeky Teddy Bears and Spice Bears available for guests to buy.

A set of festive Merrythought bears, which rattle when you shake them, will also be up for sale.

Fabulously-dressed Lakeland Bears will also be turning some heads, with everyone from Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Miss Marple, to Wordsworth, Alfred Wainwright and Beatrix Potter inspiring the bears’ outfits.

With so many more bears to explore and choose from, the team at Mitchell’s hope to see people from across the county coming along to pick up their very own collectable bears.

To find out more, or to have a look at the fully illustrated sale catalogue, visit the Mitchell’s website at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells.

Other Mitchell’s sale dates for your diary in May include a pop-up Tools and Machinery Auction on May 26, and an Interiors Sale on May 27, both starting at 10am.

Entries are also invited now for Mitchells next Antiques & Fine Art Sale from June 16-18. The closing date for entries is May 11.