Library staff are planning an Aberdeenshire-wide bear hunt to mark the 30th anniversary of a children’s classic.
Knitted teddies are to be hidden across the region to celebrate We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
The search will be launched on Saturday July 6, in time for the school summer holidays, and small prizes will be on offer.
Aberdeenshire Council’s communities committee chairwoman Anne Stirling said: “This is a really innovative way of marking the anniversary of this well-known children’s book by Michael Rosen.
“I would like to wish the best of luck to all those who take part.”
Children and those young at heart can pick up a card from their local Live Life Aberdeenshire library to mark down the bears’ hiding places.
But the council is pleading with successful hunters not to spoil the fun for others – and to leave the bears where they are.
The knitted critters will eventually find a home with children who have gone through tragedy.
Library knitting groups have made more than 200 so-called trauma teddies which will eventually be donated to the emergency services once the hunt is over.
The council’s culture sub-committee chairman David Cook said: “It is very touching that the Live Life Aberdeenshire Library Knit and Natter groups have supported the emergency services by donating knitted trauma bears.
“I would like to thank them for their kind endeavours.”