NOW in its fourth year, the Alton Teddy Bear Festival is establishing itself as a popular annual event, attracting visitors from across the UK and Europe.

On June 18, the Assembly Rooms opened its doors to a day of furry fun that, according to organiser Jane Griffin, was “the perfect blend of a family day out and choice for the fervent collector”.

With more than 25 exhibitors, the festival offered everything from face-painting and teddy story time to one-of-a-kind handmade bears.

Serious collectors and bear makers had plenty to peruse and Dooby’s Knitting Needles were on hand to dress fashion conscious bears. Hero Bear, from the military charity Help For Heroes, met with visitors and posed for photographs while Bear It In Mind provided on-site repairs and Grandpa found new homes for the “pre-loved” bears.

The event was even visited by a bear from Germany, famous for his extensive travels and photography.

With so much to see, Teddy’s Tea Room was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the many and varied homemade cakes, scones and biscuits baked by Jane and her friends.

Jane was full of praise for her family and friends who supported the even, adding: “They’re an amazing and talented group of people. We make a great team and putting it all together has been a lot of fun.”

The team is already planning next year’s event.

“We have learned so much,” explained Jane, “and we really want to make the 2017 Teddy Bear Festival the best ever!”