Toy story: Search for owner of rescued teddy after bear found floating face-down in pond

A teddy found face down in a pond has been rescued and now searching for its true owner as a mum pieces together its own toy story.

The cuddly toy was spotted by Joanne Shaw when she was walking through Seaton park with her daughter Courtney, 15, so she headed home, grabbed her waterproofs and waded in to save it.

The teddy, looking brand new after Joanne's clear up mission.

After some TLC, it has been restored to its cute and fluffy glory and Joanne hopes it can be returned home.

Joanne, who lives near the park and is also mum to Danielle, 21, said: “I looked around and looked at how much water there was and there were plenty of ducks and they saw the teddy.

“I felt so sorry for it so I came home, got my wellies on and went back and got it and cleared out the pond of lots of rubbish.

“I had to put it on a spin first before I put it through a wash.

“It took days to dry and I ended up putting it on the radiator.

“It belongs to somebody out there and I know if it was my daughter’s she would have been crying about losing it.

“Someone out there is missing this teddy.

“I’m hoping I can get it back to them.”

The teddy before it was taken home by Joanne to be cleaned up.

The pond is a relatively new addition to the seafront park, which was opened in 1962 after it was created from former farmland.

It joined a bowling green, tennis courts, playing field and a new children’s play with a sunken pirate ship.

A newly created wetland area compliments the play area with bridges spanning the open water.

The park is supported by the Friends of Seaton Park, which works with Hartlepool Borough Council and Friends of Hartlepool Green Spaces.

The bear in the pond before it was rescued.

Other recent projects include the creation of a sensory garden and planting of wildlife hedgerow.

If you know the owner of the teddy contact Fiona Thompson on 0191 5017136 or email: [email protected]