PADDINGTON Bear many have come from deepest, darkest Peru but Dawlish’s own new famous bear made his way to the town to help the elderly, isolated and vulnerable from Oxfordshire.
Travelling Ted as he is known, has become a firm favourite with users of the East Teignbridge Community Transport charity.
Now the organisation’s official mascot, Ted has become the proud owner of his own clothes, suitcase, passport and a camera to capture his journeys with his new friends.
He is also now a much-loved companion of the transport group’s passengers, enjoying his trips out with them on the fleet of vehicles which picks up people from their own homes in Dawlish and surrounding villages for shopping and days out.
His blossoming role in the charity comes as it is poised to offer new deals on transport costs. Funding is expected to be approved which could help to reduce travel prices.
Sally Preston, office manager of East Teignbridge Community Transport, explained: ‘From a sad little Ted with nothing but a scarf, he has become a vibrant, well dressed, fun loving bear who has been growing in confidence getting to know our passengers and vehicles.
‘He’s now having his best lift and wants to share his story how Dawlish Community Transport has enabled him to go out, meet new friends, do his shopping, banking and getting to the post office to visits to the doctor as well as having a great time visiting lovely places in Devon.
‘He wanted to share how we have made such a difference and he has become such a happy bear by jumping on board out vehicles.’
His journey to Dawlish Community Transport came about after his human mum, who lived in Witney, Oxfordshire, died, and her daughter Anne, brought him to live in Dawlish in 2011.
He started to get ‘itchy feet’ for travelling so Anne began to look for a loving home for him which would fulfil his love to travel. This is how he came to find Dawlish Community Transport who offered to take care of him.
He soon became the owner of a passport, new clothes, his camera and his own suitcase. Ted says: ‘I am ready to have some fun on the buses.
‘I can’t wait to visit the lovely places around here.
‘Please look after me, cuddle me lots and fill out my journal so everyone can hear about what we get up to, where we go and all the friends I have met.’
Ted has become a friend of many of the passengers who use the transport service to get out and about.
Sally added: ‘All our vehicles are adapted to suit most requirements, even wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
'If Ted’s story can support getting the word out there that would be great.
‘Ted has been able to start his new life and wants to get out and about, he was hesitant at first but this can be the situation for many in our community.
‘But they too can become passengers on board and it can really make a difference to their lives.’