LITTLE Lewis Brierley has been left heartbroken after his nursery's teddy vanished during a shopping trip.

The four-year-old was looking after the bear, which belongs to Christ Church Nursery in Ainsworth, during half-term as a special treat when it was stolen at Bury Interchange.

Scruffy Ted -- as he is known to the children -- is a six inch bear with light brown short curly fur. It was wearing a multi-coloured jumper and a dark blue duffle coat and was in a clear plastic lunchbox-style carrying case, which also contained a baby bear and a pair of sunglasses.

Lewis had the bear as part of the nursery's curriculum, which involves each child taking Scruffy Ted home for a weekend and their parents writing a story about his adventures.

Scruffy Ted had been out shopping with Lewis, his mum, Alicia and his six-year-old brother Jacob. At about 11.30am on Thursday they were in Bury Interchange waiting at stand J for the 510 bus home when the theft took place.

Alicia said: "My mobile rang and after I'd finished on the phone I turned around to check on the bags and the bear had gone."

Alicia searched the nearby area before retracing her steps around the town just in case it had been dropped along the way.

"I knew I'd had it at the bus station, but thought it would be better to be safe than sorry. Jacob was also certain it had been there, so the only explanation is that someone stole it."

The theft has been reported to the police and Alicia is appealing for the person who has Scruffy Ted to return it.

Alicia said: "Lewis and Jacob were really upset and I know the rest of the nursery children will be distraught, I'm dreading having to tell them what's happened on Monday."

Headteacher at Christ Church School, Dave Gerrard said: "We use the teddy to teach the children about writing and story telling, so it is very important. I know the children will be upset to hear about this. I would ask the thief to have a heart and give it back."

Anyone with any information can contact the Well Street school on 01204 527484.