Susie Bedford-Stradling, of High Street, has had three of her bears, Claude, Etienne and Claudette, nominated in the finals of the British Bear Artist Awards, which celebrate the best bear-makers in the country.

She only took up the craft of bear-making three years ago after spending a year as a textile and cake designer.

Then she decided she wanted a change of direction.

She said: "My first few efforts looked like Frankenstein because I didn't really have anything to measure them against.

"But I sent them off to the British Toy Makers Guild and they were so impressed they asked me to join them.

"The guild encouraged me to enter the competition."

In her first year making bears Ms Bedford-Stradling was shortlisted as a finalist, coming second and third last year.

She is confident about the competition this year, and said it is the first year she will be selling her bears at the British Bear Fair, which runs alongside the competition.

Each of the bears is hand-made with glass eyes and hand-stitched details.

They can take anything from one day to a week to make and cost up to £265.

They have now become highly collectable items across the globe and the Titchmarsh bears have been sent off to proud owners as far away as Australia, Africa and New Zealand.

Ms Bedford-Stradling added: "Some people may think they are expensive.

"However, they are made out of mohair which can cost up to £150 a metre.

"Really, the bears are quite cheap.

"I think I have the best job in the world.

"It really is just like playing."

The finals of the British Bear Artist Awards will take place on Sunday, December 13, in Hove, Sussex.

For more information on the bears made by Ms Bedford-Stradling visit www.guardianangelbears.com.