HAND-made collectors' teddy bears will be part of Guisborough's biggest ever specialist market tomorrow.

Retired teacher Joyce Thistlethwaite, of Brotton, started her one-woman business, Thistledown Bears, ten years ago.

The individual bears, made from woven mohair, each have their own name and sell for between £39 and £120.

Mrs Thistlethwaite makes three or four bears a week, and her creations have found new homes around the world, including the US, Australia and South Africa.

She said: "I'm looking forward to going to the Guisborough market. I wish there were more local ones."

The all-day Christmas market has been jointly organised by Redcar and Cleveland Council's events team, Gisborough Estates, Guisborough Market Town Initiative and Brigantia.

It also celebrates the first anniversary of specialist markets in the town.

Market town initiative programme manager Carol Hudson said: "They have been very successful, with 20 stalls every time. Now we're looking to build on that success with the Christmas event."

As well as craft stalls, visitors can expect local produce stalls, street entertainers, Punch and Judy and the Old Glory Band.

Anyone who wants to start selling their own produce can contact market superintendent Anne Griffiths on 01287 651601 or Carol Hudson on 01287 635088.