BILLINGHAM Ice Arena's mascot, IC Bear, was lurking in the frozen food section when he helped open the town's revamped Asda store yesterday.
The cuddly character was helped along by two of the staff's children, Ellis Hooker, eight, who suffers from cystic fibrosis and Claire Patterson, 15, who has Retts Syndrome - a rare condition that leaves sufferers completely dependent on others.
The youngsters were invited by the store after it raised money to buy a bath spa for Claire and a portable nebulizer and exercise equipment for Ellis.
IC Bear, Ellis and Claire were also joined by the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Jean O'Donnell.
The store now has a fresh pizza counter, curry pot, National Lottery terminal, new checkout layout and a second entrance and exit.
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