They have been one of Berlin's main attractions throughout the summer: the 125 Buddy Bears which form a circle of solidarity. Yesterday, Sir Peter Ustinov visited the international group of bears.
"I am delighted you invited an old bear like me", he joked.
Over a million people have visited the Buddy Bears, which stand on the site of the future American Embassy. Yesterday it was journalists, photographers and cameramen who dominated the scene. The "normal" tourists were surprised at the lively press interest and wanted to know who the VIP was at the centre of attention.
The young artist Jonathan Petch was commissioned by the Embassy to come up with a "very British" design for the British bear. He naturally included references to Britain's cultural diversity and British humour.
About 40 bears, including the "British bear", will be auctioned off on 5 November and the proceeds donated to UNICEF. Whether the two-time Oscar winner Ustinov will attend the auction is not clear, "but actually I have no other plans for that day." For further information on how to take part in the auction please go to the website www.united-buddy-bears.com. The minimum bid is € 1,000 per bear.