The Teddy Bear Record Challenge organised by Rotary Wilmslow Dean at Party in the Park last weekend attracted 251 assorted furry animals, that came along with their owners to help set a UK or even world record.
Whilst not breaking any major records on the day mums, dads, grandparents and children formed an orderly queue at the Rotary gazebo to hand over their precious collection to be numbered and photographed for the record attempt.
Taking the photographs were Rotarians Bernard Davies and organiser Geoff Shelmerdine who, when presented with a petite and rather well loved bear called 'Little Ted', decided to enquire about the bears life story from the owner, Wilmslow resident Mrs Joyce White.
Born in Ealing, London, Joyce acquired a Big Ted and Little Ted for her first birthday over 75 years ago from her parents and during the Blitz both bears went everywhere with her, including to the air raid shelters in the London underground.
Loosing her father in active service Joyce was sent to the Scots Guards Boarding School where unfortunately Big Ted and Little Ted were not allowed to be with her so they stayed at home until her graduation.
Moving home on a number of occasions after the war resulted in the sad loss in transit of Big Ted but thankfully Little Ted survived, having had a couple of makeovers from the original red and white check cotton covering.
Today, Little Ted (pictured above with Joyce) has pride of place in the bedroom and is fondly admired, at a distance, by Joyce's two grandchildren aged 10 and 11.
Also pictured above are the winners of the Teddy Bear Challenge draw. First prize went to Ollie Becket age 4, second prize to George Lord age 6 and third prize to Luke Johnson age 6.
