WYN Saunders, who lives in Crediton, still dearly loves her Teddy Bear called David, which she has had since she was two-years-old, making David now 80-years-old.

He was given to her by her father, not long before he died, for her second birthday and as she had no brothers or sisters, David became her very best friend, especially when she was evacuated from London to Devon when the Second World War broke out.

Wyn remembers at that time, she used to push David in her dolls pram to see the American Tank Regiment which was based nearby, where she was given chewing gum and toffees by the friendly soldiers, and David also received a lot of attention.

Wyn and her mum later moved to Morchard Bishop, but sadly after her mother died when she was 12, Wyn was moved around, and says that as she was then alone, David became an even more important part of her life.

At 17 Wyn moved back to London to make a life for herself and after meeting her husband Peter, the couple and, of course, David moved to Crediton.

Wyn adds that David has always been dearly loved by her children, and her daughter even took him to Youth Club, where he became an honorary and popular member!

He has also been loved and played with by the couple’s grandchildren.

Wyn wonders if anyone else has had a Teddy Bear as long as she has, and one which has been a much-loved companion, all their lives.

She added that when the time comes, David will be kept and loved by both her children and grandchildren and future generations.

However, nowadays David wears a romper suit worn by her son when he was a baby, and now rests comfortably in her bedroom, showing signs of his age. Fluff has gone from his nose and paws, but he is still bright eyed, just like many other octogenarians!

Margaret Tucker