TWO polar bear mascots are to go side by side after a Worcestershire business and a charity joined forces.

Both Hartlebury-based Arctic Spas and the Worcester-based children's bereavement charity Noah's Ark Trust have the bears as their emblems. The two have now agreed to work in partnership with each other - for at least the next 12 months.

Neil Bates, head of retail at Arctic, said: "We have been looking for a good cause for a while now and we believe we have found one in Noah's Ark.

"For the next year we will be running a marketing campaign to generate greater awareness and understanding of the charity. At the same time we hope to raise funds through a number of competitions that are likely to include the prize of a quality hot tub."

Sue Smith, fund-raising manager for Noah's Ark Trust, was grateful for the offer of help.

"We think that the opportunity afforded by Arctic Spas is absolutely fantastic and we look forward to working together in the coming months.

"When even the two companies' mascots are in unison, the relationship is bound to be a success," she said.