Here come Shropshire's Royal Wedding bears

Bosses at a world-famous Shropshire teddy bear factory have welcomed their very own version of Prince William and his future wife Kate Middleton into the county.

The limited edition bears have been designed and made at Merrythought in Ironbridge in time for the royal wedding.

The move comes as a commemorative plate for next month's wedding went on sale at Joe Church's china shop in Northampton, where he is struggling to keep up with the demand as he packs orders for Australia.

Meanwhile, in Shropshire, Merrythought company chiefs said: "William and Catherine" bears were a "truly exquisite couple" and only 100 of them would be made.

Teddy bear collectors and royal family fans from all over the world are expected to fall over themselves to snap up the bears.

William is made from fawn mohair, while Catherine is made of white mohair. Both boast gold-embroidered pads with a silk cushion carrying details of the big day.

The bears are about 11 inches tall and priced at £209.95 in a presentation box.

Sarah Holmes, marketing manager at the family-run company, said several orders had been taken.

"We are now just finishing the last few out of the limited edition 100 pairs," she said.

"They are an exclusive product to commemorate a very special one-off event," she added. "We only launched them at the spring fair at the NEC last month and we have already had quite a few orders."

Bears made for other royal occasions include the Queen's golden jubilee and also in honour of Princess Diana and the Queen Mother.

She added: "It is pretty special that the classic teddy bear is still made in Shropshire at a family-run firm which was established in 1930.

"I am sure William and Catherine will be sold very quickly as it is a very exciting time."

Factories all over the country have cashed in on the royal wedding by creating their own memorabilia including cups, plates and souvenirs.

Other things created ahead of the big day include cakes, biscuits and pies.

Anybody interested in ordering William and Catherine should visit www.merrythought.co.uk

By Kirsty Smallman