A TEDDY bear which took to the skies with the likes of the Red Arrows is preparing to climb out of the cockpit for good – and all in the name of charity.
Boss Bear has had a whirlwind three years since jetting off on the adventure at the 2006 Shoreham Air Show.
Air show press officer John Periam said: "What a life it has been.
"Flying over 2,000 hours in all different types of aircraft, all over the world.
"He has met royalty, celebrities and ambassadors, visited the Houses of Parliament and stood outside the door of 10 Downing Street."
Red ArrowsBoss Bear was a gift from the House of Lords and the hectic itinerary was organised by Bob Franklin, who supports the air show team at Shoreham.
A flying log-book has been kept for the bear, detailing every flight, his duties on each trip and his feelings afterwards.
Mr Periam said: "The pilots and squadrons he has flown with have signed each page and, in most cases, provided their squadron badge to go alongside.
"He has flown with the Red Arrows and the team has signed the page. He has been to the USA and flown with the 'Top Gun' pilots, who have all signed with their added comments."
NimrodBoss Bear has even seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as flying in the Eurofighter, RAF Typhoon, a Tornado, Jaguar, Nimrod, and just about every RAF aircraft currently in service.
The bear's first flight was with the crew of an RAF Merlin helicopter at the 2006 show, after Princess Alexandra signed the first page of the log book.
Air show organisers promise the book will be signed off by a very special guest at this year's air show, which will be held on August 22 and 23.
The bear will then take up residence with his lucky new owner, as Boss Bear is to be given away as part of a competition, in aid of charities the Royal Air Forces Association and Help for Heroes.
CompetitionTo be in with a chance of winning Boss Bear, along with the complete log book, text the word LOOP and your answer to the following question to 88010.
Question: How many aircraft do the Red Arrows fly in their team?
A: Nine
B: Eight
C: SevenText messages cost £1 plus your standard network charge.
Full terms and conditions are available online, at the website
www.shorehamairshow.comAll money raised will be divided between the two charities.
Correct entries will be entered into a prize draw, with the winner chosen after the lines close at midnight on August 23.
The winner will be notified on their mobile phone within seven days of the draw, and will have 72 hours to accept the prize.
The judges' decision is final, and no correspondence or discussion concerning the result will be entered into.
Tickets are still available for this year's Shoreham Air Show – to book, call the hotline: 01903 282354.
-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Shoreham news.Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.Email the Herald: letters@shorehamherald.co.ukWant to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.