Merrythought, Britain’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer, has launched a new teddy to mark 100 years of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The Royal British Legion Poppy Bear will help raise funds for serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces, as well as their families and dependents.

Commenting is Merrythought’s fourth-generation MD, Sarah Holmes. “Myself and the team at Merrythought are honoured to partner with the Royal British Legion during such a milestone year. The Poppy Appeal is supported up and down the country and is hugely important to the British public. We’re immensely proud to be a part of it.”

Handmade in Merrythought’s historic British factory, The Poppy Bear features mohair plush and pure wool felt paws. It also has a red satin bow featuring two embroidered poppies as symbols of remembrance and hope.

Each Merrythought teddy bear is handmade in a delicate, 15-stage process using the finest skills and natural materials.

Holmes continues; “For me, my grandfather Trayton Holmes proudly served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War before going on to become the Merrythought managing director in 1949. Whether a gift for someone special, or a memento to remember a loved one by; this bear not only celebrates the huge milestone in the charity’s history, but I hope that it will be a much-loved member of people’s families for generations to come.”

The Poppy Bear is a limited edition of 1921 pcs, marking the founding year of the Royal British Legion. Each bear comes in an exclusive Royal British Legion x Merrythought 100% cotton dust bag. Available from merrythought.com and other selected retailers from 9 September 2021, National Teddy Bear Day.