Children in West Leeds join 'teddy bear hunt' and track down cuddly toys during daily exercise allowance

Cuddly teddy bears and soft toys have been hidden around the Calverley area so that children and their parents can 'hunt' for them while doing their daily exercise.

More than 200 bears have been placed in windows across the area and a map has created so children can track the bears down.

The fun and creative game was organised by resident Hannah Wilkie, who saw the idea online and thought it would be a great way to keep her young children entertained.

Hannah, of The Wicket, said: "I saw the idea online and thought that it would be great in our village to keep my one and three-year-old entertained.

"I posted about the idea on our Calverley community Facebook page to see if anyone wanted to take part and the responses came in thick and fast.

"I was blown away to be honest.

"It was overwhelming and heart warming that so many people wanted to get involved."

Since then, children across the village have been out with their parents spotting the bears.

Hannah said she is glad that the bear hunt has brought a bit of excitement back to the village during an uneasy time.

"The whole point was to try and bring a bit of excitement back for the little kids - and the parents.

"I've had some heart warming comments from parents who have taken their children out to hunt for bears in the last couple of days and from some of the community that are in isolation who are finding comfort in seeing happy children spot bears they have left in their windows on their way past!

"I just think it’s something so simple that has brought real joy to all ages in our village in what is an uneasy time for lots of people."

Neighbour and mum-of-two Jen Appleton said the bear hunt has helped her children still feel "connected" to their friends in the village even though they are physically separated.

Jen, of Woodhall Court, said: "I have loved seeing how our little village is pulling together and getting through this difficult time.

"It is difficult to explain to a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old why they can’t go play in the playground at the park like they’re used to doing, but the bear hunt and the rainbows in people's windows have provided a fun outdoor activity for the children of the village.

"It means they get fresh air, exercise whilst observing social distancing, and it’s also a way for them to feel connected to the other children in the village at a time when they are separated from their classmates and friends”

Kirsty McEnroe, of Salisbury Street, added: "This is a great idea as it takes the focus off why the children are going out for their allowed daily exercise, and focuses on something positive.

"Those that are isolating will love to see the children walking around our lovely village looking for bears.

"So if your children see a bear don’t forget to wave to the neighbour that has put it there as they may not have seen anyone for days.”

Katie Thomas, added: "It’s been a highlight of our day for my two children – walking around the village spotting teddies brings a bit of fun and puts a smile on their face.

"It’s also been great to be part of something that shows amazing community spirit.

"I can’t believe how many people are involved."

Calverley resident Sheena Roberts said: "This is such a wonderful idea.

"Hopefully media exposure will encourage other communities to create their own. It is a pleasure to see the families spotting the ears in my velux window, while self-isolating with my husband.

"Calverley community support is heartwarming at such a strange and uncertain time”