THE late Peter Bull, actor, writer and bear-lover par excellence, always maintained that teddy bears were far superior to dolls.

In his opinion, dolls spend most of their time wondering what they are going to wear next, whereas your average teddy has its mind on higher things and, being more adventurous, likes nothing better than a good day out.

A larger-than-life character, the last time Peter and I met he was sharing a luncheon tray with his own bear, Theodore, on a plane headed for Greece.

How he would have loved to take part in Action Medical Research's annual Bring Your Bear event in June.

It isn't quite the same as flying off to Greece, but the concept of being allowed to take Theodore back to school in return for a £1 donation towards the charity's Touching Tiny Lives appeal would have been right up his street.

Action Medical Research is Paddington Bear's favourite charity. And, since the aim of Touching Tiny Lives is to raise money to help fund medical research into the many complications that can surround bringing babies into this world, he would find it hard to think of a more wonderful way of celebrating his summer birthday (which is June 25).

So, schools, nurseries and children's groups everywhere, don't forget to register in good time at www.action.org.uk/byb in order to receive your free fundraising kit.

It's full of ideas aimed at making Bring Your Bear a day to remember.

It's really a case of bears of Britain uniting in a thoroughly good cause. But for those taking part, if you don't have a bear - never fear.

Speaking on behalf of Paddington, I'm sure he would agree that a favourite soft toy will be more than welcome and treated with the utmost respect. The more the merrier!

MICHAEL BOND author of the Paddington

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