A SCHOOL teddy bear has been rubbing shoulders with football stars at the World Cup in Brazil.

Poppy the Bear belongs to class one at Langley Moor Primary School, County Durham, and children who perform well in lessons are rewarded by being allowed to take her home for a night or weekend.

But none of the youngsters knew anything of Poppy’s latest trip.

Teacher Gill Dunn convinced her sister Kay Stubbs, a production manager with the BBC, to take Poppy with her to Brazil for the world’s biggest sporting occasion.

Poppy has visited the BBC studio, various stadia, the famed Copacabana Beach and was even pictured with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.

Poppy’s adventure was kept a secret from school pupils until teacher Clare Brewis revealed all in an assembly.

“They were really excited. They couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Ms Stubbs is due to continue working in Brazil until after the World Cup final on Sunday, July 13, and the school is getting regular updates on Poppy’s travels.

Meanwhile, the school hosted a Global Week, with children learning about the protests surrounding the World Cup, fair trade and other issues and learning to dance the samba.