They have stood guard over Great Yarmouth for more than 100 years – but these two bears aren't so grizzly when you get up close.

Norwich Evening News: The former Two Bears Hotel which is set to be demolished. The front of the building is now covered in scaffolding. Picture: James BassThe former Two Bears Hotel which is set to be demolished. The front of the building is now covered in scaffolding. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2014)

With scaffolding now surrounding the Two Bears Hotel on Pasteur Road, workmen are preparing to demolish the iconic building.

Norwich Evening News: Up close with one of the bears on top of the former Two Bears Hotel which is set to be demolished. Picture: James BassUp close with one of the bears on top of the former Two Bears Hotel which is set to be demolished. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2014)

But not before the two stone statues, which have been fixed to the apex since 1910, are taken down.

'Futuristic' plan for Two Bears site in Great YarmouthPublic blamed as demolition of Two Bears Hotel in Great Yarmouth gets green light

When news that the former pub and hotel was to be knocked down to make way for a modern retail store, residents were quick to ask where the bears would be going.

And when they submitted their detailed plans for the new store, developers revealed the bears would eventually be returned to their seat in the sky, in a similar position to where they sit now.

This week Yarmouth construction firm Munnings has been on site to assess the state of the statues and decide how they will be removed.

They also began taking down the golden lettering above the hotel entrance. The building was once a landmark for people arriving into Yarmouth, but has long been described as an eyesore.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council granted planning permission for it to be replaced with a purpose-built out-of-town-style retail store in December last year. Hughes Electrical later signed a deal to move out of its Market Place unit and into the 5,500sq ft shop once it was ready.

Managing director Robert Hughes, who hoped it would be complete by early 2015, said changing consumers habits have prompted the need for a fresh approach.

'Consumers want everything on one floor, they want easy access and on-site parking for click-and-collect,' Mr Hughes said.

Have you got a Great Yarmouth story? Email lauren.rogers@archant.co.uk