0A YOUNG boy's idea of a present for his favourite bear put him among the winners in a national drawing competition.

Five-year-old Oliver Burns, and his classmates, at St John's RC Primary, Bromley Cross, are big fans of the Old Bear series of children's books by author Jane Hissey.

And recently the toy bear that comes to life celebrated 15 years of enthralling children with his exploits.

To celebrate this event the author and booksellers Waterstones asked Old Bear fans in schools across the country to draw their ideal birthday present for the top-rated ted.

The Year 1 group at St John's were encouraged to enter the competition by teachers Cath Carney and Julia Flannagan.

And Oliver's drawing of a bicycle for the friendly bear won him top honours.

Oliver was just one of ten children across the country to win the top prize of a collector's set of Royal Doulton figurines of Old Bear and his pals.

And his classmates each won a book token thanks to Waterstones in Bolton.

So impressed was Old Bear's creator Mrs Hissey with his efforts that she wrote to Oliver personally to thank him.

Mrs Carney said: "The children did very well and we have quite a few budding artists at the school.

"They love Old Bear and Oliver was thrilled to have done so well particularly because it was a national competition."