THE GREAT She Bear will be walking round Whitchurch as the town prepares for the Caldecott Festival.

The iconic character was created by 19th century artist Randolph Caldecott when he lived in the town and has been regular sight on the streets over the past few months as the town prepares for the festival, which will be on Saturday, March 19.

Norma Raynes, chairman of the Caldecott Festival, said: "It has been wonderful to see our Great She Bear out and about over the past few months, and I know that she’s brought great joy to all the local business owners, residents and visitors she’s met as she’s gone on her travels.

"The ‘Great She Bear Coming Down the Street’ was drawn by Randolph Caldecott, who lived in the town between the ages of 15 and 21 and depicts the bear walking down Whitchurch High Street with St Alkmund’s Parish Church behind her.

"To see a life size version of this iconic character parade the streets in celebration of one of our local legends has been fantastic, and she is very much looking forward to meeting everyone at the festival next weekend."

There will be many activities for families during the festival, including cartooning and illustration workshops.

Famous American author, Leonard Marcus will join the senior commissioning editor of Walker's Books, Lizzie Sitton, to judge "the House that I Built" competition in which young people across Shropshire have submitted ideas for their own "dream house."

For the closing ceremony, pianist, composer and director of music, John Moore, will perform alongside children from Whitchurch CE Junior Academy.