A LIFELONG animal lover has launched an appeal to save polar bears after being moved by a documentary.

Tracy Newsome, 44, has organised a charity event to help the species after watching the plight of the mammals on BBC’s Planet Earth.

Tracy, an operations manager of Clearbrook Close, High Wycombe, said: “A few years ago I watched a programme about polar bears. It has always been on my mind since.

“Because everything is melting, they have to go further. When they have gone so far they can't turn back and can't find land.

"One reached an island with only walruses on. He went to go and get one to eat but it injured his leg.

"He just lay down to die. It broke my heart.”

This spurred Tracy on to write to TV vet Steve Leonard who shared his experiences of the creatures and encouraged her to help them.

Tracy is set to transform the Royal British Legion in Queensmead Road, Loudwater, into a ‘winter wonderland’.

On Saturday cabaret singers will perform hits including ‘rescue me’ interspersed with polar bear video clips and guests will be required to dress all in white or silver in tribute to the furry bears.

Information on the creatures will be also be on hand and the funds raised will be sent to WWF Canada.

Tracy added: “A lot of people are quite into global warming now. I was quite sceptical at first and don’t think it’s all down to us.

"But if there’s no ice, there’s no seals and if there’s no seals there’s no food and they are all going to die.

“I think the WWF in Canada is quite surprised that a different country that doesn’t have polar bears want to support it.”

For more information and to buy tickets contact Tracy Newsome on 07761973928.