UPDATE: Bob the Bear FOUND and returned to youngster with special needs

• WATCH Richard Jones' report on how much Bob the Bear means to Marcus

A much-loved teddy bear which was lost by its young owner has been found safe and sound, following an appeal on ITV Meridian.

Marcus Vaissiere mislaid his bear Bob in Andover town centre last month and was lost without him.

The teenager, who has learning difficulties, was left distraught by the loss.

Bob had been his constant companion for more than 10 years.

He'd been given a stand-in bear but it wasn't the same as the real Bob.

But this weekend, Marcus's mother Sharon rang us to say Bob had been handed back to them.

A young boy had found him on the street and taken him home. His dad saw an appeal, rang Sharon straight away and reunited Bob with Marcus.

She said it had made Marcus's Christmas.

Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal on social media - this could not have happened without you!