EVEN on one of the most memorable days of her life Radcliffe teacher Sharron Hardman did not forget the school teddy!

Travelling Teddy accompanied Sharron to Buckingham Palace earlier this month when she was presented with the MBE in recognition of her services to teaching children with special educational needs.

It was the latest honour for Sharron, who has taught at Gorsefield County Primary School for the past 27 years. In September she was invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister at a reception to celebrate classroom teaching.

Travelling Teddy was photographed with a Downing Street policeman on that occasion.

Sharron explained: "Every time a member of staff goes on holiday or to anywhere unusual they take Teddy with them and photograph him for a school wall display. He's been all over the world and I thought it only right that he should come to Buckingham Palace too."

Of the great day she said: "I was very nervous beforehand, but it was an amazing experience, especially the pomp and tradition.

"I entered the palace by a wonderful marble staircase and walking along the picture gallery was like walking through history."

The ceremony itself took place in the ballroom and because the Queen was in Canada, Prince Charles performed the honours, escorted by Beefeaters and Gurkhas.

"He asked me all about Gorsefield and the exact nature of the special educational needs of the children," recalled Sharron.

"When I said I'd been teaching for 27 years he told me not to retire as the work was very worthwhile."

Afterwards she photographed Travelling Teddy on the steps of the Palace with her MBE and when she was back outside the palace gates a group of Japanese tourists insisted on photographing Teddy too!