PADDINGTON Bear said a special "thank you" to young fundraisers when he visited a school yesterday.

Paddington dropped in to Durham High School for Girls to recognise the school's support for the medical research charity Action Research, which he represents.

Pupils raised money through a non-uniform day and a bring-a-bear-day, which coincided with Paddington's visit.

During his time at the school, the bear shared marmalade sandwiches with pupils.

Action Research, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, was established in 1952 as The National Research Fund into Poliomyelitis.

It played a key role in the research that led to the British polio vaccine and has funded research into hip replacement surgery, ultrasound scanning, the rubella vaccine, spina bifida and specialist burns treatment.

Margaret Cottrell, chairman of the Bishop Auckland Committee, said: "Through these projects and hundreds more, Action Research has played a major role in the health of the nation.

"We are understandably proud of our achievements, and feel that our 50th birthday is something worth celebrating.

"To keep supporting vital medical research, we depend upon the generosity of our supporters, and this is why we were so pleased to be visiting Durham High School. We are most grateful for its support."