Three Ryde shops joined forces recently to raise more than £600 for the Wildheart Sanctuary, in Yaverland.

The owners of Bellissima, No 66 Cards, and Sugar & Spice Lingerie, were among 30 people taking part, after hearing about the plight of the two brown bears, in Azerbaijan, which the Wildheart Sanctuary is fund-raising to rescue.

They decided to hold a ‘Barefoot Walk’, so, with faces painted by Team Unicorn, children in buggies, dogs, and some walkers in fancy dress, they walked to the Salix Café, at Small Hope Beach, for refreshments, in Shanklin, returning back to Yaverland.

Money was collected by registering for the walk, from customers at The Salix and by donations given along the route, with £616 being raised.

Tina Lettington, of Bellissima, said: “Thanks to everyone who turned out and all those who came together in support of the event. We are so pleased to have contributed to the Bear Appeal.”