Staff at Asda in Stanley organised a walkabout in the town by Pudsey Bear, as part of Children in Need last week.

But alarm bells were sounded when the mascot went "missing."

A mock police operation was mounted and the young bear was soon reunited with his minders.

Marsha Spence, of Asda, pictured above with Pudsey and PC Sarah Hindmarsh, said: "It was fun with a serious message about child safety.''