Dawn Gibbins MBE, Phil Baker and friend

Bears seen in Congleton

Three bears have been seen travelling through the streets of Congleton in aid of Animals Asia Foundation.

I am thrilled that Animals Asia Foundation and Beartown Bus service have formed a charity partnership. The Foundation's main project, the Moon Bear Rescue, involves the ongoing rescue of 500 suffering and endangered bears from cruel bile farms in China. Similarly, 200 farmed bears are being rescued in Vietnam.

Three moon bears will soon be seen traveling through the streets of Congleton, thanks to Baker Coaches, the operators of the Beartown bus service.

Beartown bus drivers were asked to name their buses after one of our moon bears. Choosing from a list of over two hundred moon bears, after careful consideration, the images of our Abracadabra, Stardust and Chance now adorn their buses.

As well as the name and picture of the three bears, the buses will also feature a large poster showing Bakers’ support for the Animals Asia information leaflets will be available on each bus - helping to spread the word about Animals Asia work.

The new-look buses were unveiled in Congleton on 10 August.

This is not Animals Asia’s first partnership in Congleton. They already have links with the Beartown Brewery. The brewery produces a range of beers name after Animal Asia’s bears.

So next time you’re in Congleton, why not take a trip on a moon bear bus and stop off at the Bear Town Tap for a pint of Jolly Jasper? The Beartown buses provide a regular service on town routes covering Banky Fields, Bromley, Bunglawton, Mossley and West Heath.