Alnwick resident and self‑confessed hippo enthusiast, Philip Angier together with his wife Elizabeth spent two years planning the sale of their 1,000‑strong collection of hippo figurines, artefacts, and soft toys, amassed over 55 years.

For two days the Castle’s Guest Hall was transformed into a hippo-themed wonderland to raise money for the wildlife charity. Along with all 1000-strong display of articles, there was even a collage of the hundreds of hippo-themed birthday cards received by Philip over the years.

The cuddly toy lucky dip and tombolo were particularly popular, and prizes donated by local businesses were auctioned off - adding £750 to the final total for the week of £4,500.

Every penny raised will be donated to Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Event organiser Philip Angier, now known as Hippo Man says:

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all our supporters, helpers and most of, all to the generosity of everybody who attended.

“We had three hopes for the event. We wanted it to be fun, we wanted to rehome and we wanted to raise funds for the work of the Trust.

“The ‘wow’ expression on people’s faces as they arrived was amazing and the fact that more than two thirds of the items were sold by the end of the event, with the hippo bronze and glass coffee table still to go to auction in the autumn.”

Elizabeth Angier says:

“It was such a lovely family with some people making a day of it. One couple came all the way from Lockerbie to seek out new hippos for their collection and a young girl from North Shields who arrived fully kitted out with a hippo T shirt and handbag and left which various hippo trophies including one that sang.

“Our very first customer was a lady looking for a replacement for a toy which was her 32-year-old daughter’s childhood favourite. Would you believe it, she looked and found one. Needless to say, there were tears all round.”

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive says:

“I am truly humbled by the efforts of Philp and Elizabeth in helping to raise much needed funds for our work. They really are conservation heroes, and I cannot thank them enough. I look forward to the auction of the coffee table in the autumn as I am sure it will attract a lot of interest.”