HE'S old now and a little frayed around the edges - but during his lifetime he has known true love.

For more than 80 years, the simply-named Teddy Bear was the treasured companion of Alice Doherty.

He was given to Alice when she was a girl by her father as he went off to fight in the First World War.

When Alice died, he could have ended up, like so many other much-loved toys, being consigned to the scrapheap.

But she had other ideas for the cherished bear - and York's Castle Museum has fulfilled her dying wish by making Teddy Bear one of the stars of their latest show.

Teddy Bear was found in Alice's house in Acomb, York, after she died about five years ago, and pinned to him was a poignant note. It read: "To the person who clears the house out. Will you please see my teddy bear goes to the children's part of the Castle Museum.

"I have had him since 1914, a present from my dad when he went to the war. I would hate to think he might get into one's hands who would eventually tear him up. Thank you, whoever you may be."

The museum's curator of textiles, Josie Sheppard, said: "When we received this bear and a copy of the note there was not a dry eye in the house.

"He obviously meant a huge amount to Alice and considering his age she kept him in superb condition."

He is now one of the stars of a new exhibition, Dust off the Dodo - Fabulous Finds that Time Forgot, which opens this weekend.