There are few things as sad in life as an abandoned teddy bear. This fellow – once loved, once cuddled – lies by the bins beside flats in St James’ Road, Surbiton. He’s going a bit green round the gills, his stuffing is starting to show, but he still wears the kind of fixed grin

There are few things as sad in life as an abandoned teddy bear.

This fellow – once loved, once cuddled – lies by the bins beside flats in St James’ Road, Surbiton.

He’s going a bit green round the gills, his stuffing is starting to show, but he still wears the kind of fixed grin that used to be the hallmark of Playschool presenters and door-to-door salesmen.

A half-hour spin in the washing machine, a few stitches here and there, and he’d be right as rain.

But until a rescuer appears, this forlorn figure (who appears to be attempting the John Travolta dance routine in Saturday Night Fever) will continue to doze by the wheelies, dreaming of the affection he once received.