THE much-loved childhood teddy bear of James Bond’s former boss is the most recent addition to the world’s largest collection of famous cuddly toys

“Bear” was the beloved companion of York-born Dame Judi Dench, formerly M in the 007 movies, when she was young.

And he’s now joined the teddy bear collection of of broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, which is on permanent loan to Newby Hall near Ripon.

Another new arrival belongs to actor and West End star Thelma Ruby – whose bear is an original 1958 Sooty presented to her by Harry Corbett himself after she starred with him at the Leeds City Varieties.

Gyles said: “These bears are my pride and joy, a life time’s collection, and I am honoured that people like Dame Judi want their bears to be a part of it.”

Dame Judi added: “Bear is a little careworn after all this time but very excited to be going back to Yorkshire as he has been missing that part of the country.”