The Isle of Wight, usually renowned for its peaceful charm, chalk cliffs and serene beaches, found itself in an unusual predicament.

The year was 1966, and the island's tranquility was disrupted by the escape of Nikita and Valentina, a pair of brown bears.

These furry fugitives had broken loose from their enclosure at Ryde Children's Zoo, setting off on a wild adventure that would captivate the nation.

Nikita and Valentina were no strangers to the thrill of freedom. Prior to their most recent escape, they had already managed to break free from their enclosure on several occasions.

Their previous adventures had included a leisurely stroll through a holiday camp and a sun-soaked sojourn on the beach at Ryde. 

However, their latest escapade proved to be their most prolonged and eventful.

News of the bears' escape spread like wildfire across the island. 

The local police, the RSPCA, and even the bears' concerned owner, Vernon Winkworth, were mobilised in a desperate attempt to recapture the elusive duo. 

The Daily Echo, along with numerous national newspapers, followed the story closely, providing updates on the bears' whereabouts and the ongoing manhunt.

The bears' journey took them on a wild adventure across the island. 

One particularly memorable encounter occurred at St Helens, where the bears were spotted frolicking in a sports field.

A team of panting police officers, armed with lassos, along with Mr Winkworth and an RSPCA inspector, gave chase. 

For hours, they pursued the bears, offering them doped meat and attempting to snare them with nooses. Despite their best efforts, the bears remained elusive, their playful spirits undeterred.

As the days turned into weeks, the search for the bears continued. 

The island's residents, captivated by the story, became increasingly involved in the effort to find the missing duo. 

Sightings of the bears were reported from all corners of the island, leading to a flurry of activity among local residents and authorities.

One particularly tense moment occurred at Priory Bay, near Seaview. 

PC Dennis Lyngnane, a local police officer at the time, attempted to capture Valentina using a noose. 

However, the bear proved too quick, breaking free and snarling. 

Inspector Howard Slater, the Island's senior RSPCA official, soon had a chance to tackle Nikita. 

A fierce tug-of-war ensued, with Slater being pulled over several times before the bear managed to break free.

The bears' presence caused a stir among locals. 

At Priory Bay, they were surrounded by curious onlookers who offered them sweets and sugar, which the bears happily accepted. 

In St Helens, they even confronted Mr Jack Eade, a local newsagent. The bears approached him, and to his surprise, one of them snatched his favourite red beret.

As the search for the bears continued, a vet from London Zoo arrived on the island with tranquilizer darts. 

After thirteen days of freedom, Nikita and Valentina were finally cornered in some woods behind Nodes Point. 

The vet successfully sedated them, bringing their adventure to an end.

The following month, the brother and sister bears were found a new home, far from the Isle of Wight, at a Yorkshire zoo. There, they were welcomed with a sweet treat and a chance to start a new chapter in their lives.

The tale of Nikita and Valentina's escape remains a beloved memory for the people of the Isle of Wight, a testament to the unexpected adventures that can unfold in the most idyllic of places.

The story of Nikita and Valentina's escape has become a cherished part of the Isle of Wight's history and serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the natural world and the resilience of its inhabitants.