HERE'S something you do not see every day.

This chap was apparently minding his own business in December, 1964 when a polar bear crept up behind him in Victoria Square, Bolton.

Snow on the ground provided an appropriate setting for an enterprising Evening News photographer.

The accompanying story explained that the stuffed bear - known as Phyllis - was a prize museum exhibit in Rawtenstall.

Officials of Rawtenstall Corporation had sent her to Bolton for "an expert shampoo and overhaul." The story, unfortunately, does not tell us who had the skills to perform this unusual task.