TEDDY bear lover Gyles Brandreth will be in Devizes on Sunday (18) to cut the tape on the town's newest shop.

The writer, broadcaster and former MP will officially open Moonraker Bears in Sidmouth Street at 12.30pm but will be at the shop from noon to 2pm.

Iain Wallis, 36, who has started the shop with business partner Miriam Dutoy, comes from a long line of Devizes business people going back to his great-grandfather who opened a sweet shop before the Second World War.

Until now Mr Wallis' has been working in the events business of his mother Jackie and the office part of this is also moving to Sidmouth Street.

The shop will sell a wide range of bears aimed at children and adults. Mr Wallis said: "We are delighted to be launching Moonraker Bears and hope the public will love the shop as much as we enjoyed creating it. We are also overjoyed that Gyles is able to take time out from his busy schedule to attend the opening, he has shown off his love for teddies over the years and I’m sure he will have some stories to tell.

"We aim to offer teddies who are more than just toys with their own unique personalities. Bears have been our friends and companions for generations, listening to our deepest of secrets and they are still part of the family years later, whilst modern high tech toys head to the recycling centre."

There will also be a hospital service available to repair much loved teddies and the chance to have a memory bear created from fabric owned by a loved one.