THIS WEEK IN 1999: The favourite toy that brought joy

But two-foot tall Jeremy the bear was poised to receive some public recognition for his faithfulness.

Portsmouth museum chiefs were preparing an exhibition of the city's favourite toy soldiers, fluffy animals and dolls in recognition of that one toy from which we could never bear to be parted when we were little. They wanted residents to lend the playthings they had kept for the exhibition. 

Jeremy, Katy's companion for the previous three decades, would be joining a variety of toys would be displayed. 

Katy, a local history officer, said: '˜I have had him since before I can remember so he has got to go in the exhibition.'