THE organisers of a popular teddy bear festival have come up with a novel way of celebrating the birth of babies in their village. Every time a new baby is born in Great Ellingham a teddy bear will be put up in the proud parents' garden with the appropriate coloured bow, indicating whether it is a boy or girl.

THE organisers of a popular teddy bear festival have come up with a novel way of celebrating the birth of babies in their village.

Every time a new baby is born in Great Ellingham a teddy bear will be put up in the proud parents' garden with the appropriate coloured bow, indicating whether it is a boy or girl.

To kick off the idea, a teddy now stands in the garden of Jemma and Glen Sharp at Hingham Road.

Their baby boy, Albie William Sharp, was born on January 5 weighing in at 7lb 10z. He is a welcome brother for Jessica.

Ann Milner, chairman of the Great Ellingham Teddy Bear Festival, said: “”Rumour has it that twins are expected in February, therefore watch this space!”

The festival features scores of human-sized model bears filled with straw as a fun alternative to scarecrows, and attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

This year's celebration will be held in July and lots of new events are planned over the two weeks.