DERIAN House will be getting the bear necessities -- as charity teddy 'McBear' moves in.

The furry fund-raiser is coming to the children's hospice at the request of actress Jean Alexander -- alias Coronation Street's Hilda Ogden. She bought the bear at a charity auction, and he has become a familiar site at events all over the North West, raising money for the Southport, Formby and West Lancs McMillan Nurse appeal.

But now -- with just £50,000 to go to reach the £450,000 target of the McMillan appeal, McBear will have a new home at Derian House in Chorley.

General manager Trevor Briggs hinted McBear could help Derian House fund-raising too. "We are delighted that he is coming to stay at Derian House, especially as he has been such a favourite for the McMillan Appeal," he said. "We can assure you he will be well cared for, and will be well loved by the children here." FURRY friend: children meet Jean Alexander and McBear at Derian House