ONE of the giant bears featured in the recent ‘Big Sleuth’ event has found a new home at an Oldbury school.

London Midland’s ‘Honey Bear Honey Bottle’, designed by local Black Country artist Glen Brooks, spent the summer greeting the public outside Snow Hill station, but has now been rehomed at The Orchard School.

The Causeway Green Road school, which specialises in providing support to pupils with special educational needs and is the only school of its type in Sandwell borough, is located between London Midland’s Langley and Rowley Regis stations.

Running from July until the end of the summer, the Big Sleuth encouraged people to take to the streets and explore their local areas, while raising money and awareness for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

At the end of the event, the bears were auctioned off for charity and Honey Bear Honey Bottle was won by the train operating company.

Richard Brooks, commercial director at London Midland, said: “The Big Sleuth has been incredibly important to us over the past six months and seeing the whole city engage with the art trail has been brilliant.

“The Orchard School provides fantastic support in the Sandwell area so it seemed fitting to present them with our special bear. I’m sure it will be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come.”

The Orchard School was selected to receive the bear because of its location on London Midland’s network, and because of its close ties with the West Bromwich Albion Foundation – a partner of the train operator.

After being unveiled by the school, the bear will now be displayed for all to see outside the main entrance.

Diane Ellingham, headteacher, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Honey Bear Honey Bottle. It’s a real focal point and being a bear, is ideal for primary school children. It’s a visual reflection of the school ethos of having fun, being approachable and friendliness.

“It’s such a significant feature in front of the school and seeing the children’s faces when they arrive is fantastic. First impressions are so important and our staff love it too.

“Thank you to the artist, Glen, the Albion Foundation and to London Midland for bringing Honey Bear Honey Bottle to us.”