Bemused onlookers watched on as a giant polar bear approached a woman with flowers in a town centre.

The surprise, which some onlookers initially believed to be a proposal, happened outside Costa Coffee in Sheep Street in Bicester on Saturday (September 7).

Krasimira Videva, who was handed the roses, has confirmed her friend, Slavka Georgieva, made the gesture for her birthday. 

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The bear's reception was far from frosty as Ms Videva, who appeared to be delighted, took the roses and gave Ms Georgieva a hug. 

The gesture was watched by people enjoying their food and drinks as people whipped out their phones to take pictures. 

Candice Durning, who witnessed the gesture in the town centre, said it was a "fab" surprise. 

Ms Videva said: "Everyone watched with interest and shared my happiness. Almost everyone was taking pictures and video.

"I was very surprised and excited."