A DAD who has raised thousands of pounds for good causes by with his efforts making lockdown more bear-able for residents was chosen as an unsung hero by a primetime BBC One show.

Keith Wood, 55, was nominated by a resident of West Bergholt for The One Show’s One Big Thank You project, which has been showcasing unsung heroes across the country during the coronavirus crisis.

Keith has become known as the Bear Man of West Bergholt after setting up creative scenes featuring two giant teddy bears in his Lexden Road front garden.

After lockdown restrictions were eased Keith joined forces with villagers to create a book of his creations, which they have been selling to raise money for Colchester Zoo and MS-UK.

The first print run of 500 books sold out within days, raising £5,000 for the organisations. And with a re-print just complete, Keith isn’t done yet.

To film the segment, One Show host Alex Jones managed to trick Keith into attending the zoo by pretending to be a keeper.

Keith, who himself was diagnosed with MS eight years ago, said: “When Alex rang me at home saying she was Sally the zookeeper I thought it seemed a bit strange but I had no idea it was her. I remember saying to my family it was a wind up but I will go anyway.

“I said to my son, Jensen, I would drive us up there but he was adamant we take his van obviously because they had set up hidden cameras inside. Both him and my daughter Yazmin were in on it the whole time.

“When I arrived at the zoo they said they were expecting me and told me to sign in. I saw my daughter Yazmin’s name on the sign in list which made me even more suspicious as she was meant to be at work.

“I knew something was going on but I didn’t know what. I was half expecting someone to be in a bear suit and jump out at me or something like that.”

After arriving at the zoo Keith was naturally taken to the sun bear enclosure where staff had set up a TV screen.

He was played an information film about the bears which, unbeknown to him, was being narrated by presenter Alex.

Then came the big reveal and the video cut to Alex in the One Show studio before residents of West Bergholt spoke glowingly of Keith’s efforts.

He also received a special message of thanks from survival expert Bear Grylls.

Keith said: “It was quite emotional. It really hit home how much it had helped people and how much it meant to residents.

“It was a brilliant day out it really was. I got to go in the bear enclosure and get the food out ready for them.

“I don’t feel particularly like a hero, I look at it as I had the easiest job in the world. I just dressed up some bears and made a few jokes.

“I took early retirement six years ago after being diagnosed with MS eight years ago. I have all the time in the world and I think I had the easy job.

“Getting the design of the book together and sorting the printing were much more difficult.

“There is such a brilliant community in West Bergholt. People were coming out of the woodwork from everywhere to help.

“I think lockdown has brought people in the village closer together. I walk round the village now and people don’t necessarily know my name but they call me the bear man.”

Although the first print run of the book sold out in no time, 200 more have now been created, with more potentially in the pipeline.

Keith said they’ve received a huge influx of orders since the show was broadcast on BBC One on Thursday evening.

“For something which started off as a bit of a joke it has grown so much,” he said.

“We have posted books to Texas and Australia. I was contacted by a soldier who is serving in Afghanistan.

“She went to school with my daughter and she asked for a copy of the book. She said it has been passed throughout the whole regiment and said I wouldn’t believe how much enjoyment it has given to them.

“I can see it going on for a bit longer too. I’m just waiting for Holly and Phil from This Morning to call next.”

Jill Purcell, fundraising manager for MS-UK, said: “We would all like to say a massive thank you to Keith for raising a fantastic £2,500 for MS-UK from the proceeds of his bear book sales.

“It was such a great idea and put a smile on the faces of everyone in West Bergholt during lockdown.

“The bears and his book were a real hit and has raised a significant amount for MS-UK to continue supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis. Keith, you are a real legend and such a great man, thank you.”

To buy a copy of the book, email bergholtbears@gmail.com.