If you have not had the privilege already, meet Borehamwood's most famous bear.

Bearsac is a teddy who has a host of celebrity friends, and will be no stranger to many visitors and residents of the town.

Whether you catch the train at Elstree & Borehamwood station, visit the Elstree & Boreham Wood Museum or simply shop in Shenley Road, you are bound to bump into the talking cuddly toy.

Of course, Bearsac could not get around, or speak, without his mother', 38-year-old Debra Lesley from Leeming Road.

He spends most of his time saying hello to passers-by, and getting his photograph taken with famous people, from Hollywood actors and soap stars to Premiership footballers.

EastEnders' June Brown, or Dot Cotton, and Ross Kemp, who plays Grant Mitchell, have met the bear, as have Arsenal football players Freddie Ljungberg and Jose Antonio Reyes.

Even Hollywood actors Kevin Spacey and David Schwimmer have met him.

Debra is fully aware that carrying around a bear and operating it like a ventriloquist dummy makes her, in the eyes of many people, seem rather bonkers.

"Most people take it in good spirit," she said. "But some don't understand and get angry or embarrassed by it.

"I know some people think I'm crazy but it's just a hobby. I'm not hurting anyone and it's all just a bit of fun.

"My life would be boring without him. Bearsac has a wonderful life. He comes everywhere with me even on holiday, but he won't last forever and I'm quite aware of that. His fur is already starting to come apart so I'm quite careful with him.

"I know that when he's gone, I'm going to mourn him, just as anyone would with a pet or loved one. He's become part of my life and I know it's mad but I'll probably need bereavement counselling and time off work.

"People can say what they want about us but we will carry on putting smiles on people's faces as we always do, and these days, there aren't many people who can do that to strangers on a daily basis."

Fondly recalling the first time she spotted her faithful bear, on a trip to Belgium eight years ago, Debra said: "I caught a glimpse of him as I was walking past a shop and was immediately taken aback by his eyes."

"I brought him straight away I just couldn't resist. I was meant to be going to Paris but we couldn't find anywhere to stay so we ended up going to Belguim. I think that was a sign as I would never have found him otherwise."

Debra says that Bearsac is married to his wife, Tea, with whom he has a daughter, Teasac, but she insists that the couple have an open relationship.

On Sunday, Bearsac will even have a special Christmas dinner prepared.

His favourite hobby is meeting celebrities at the gates of the BBC Elstree Studios in Clarendon Road.