EX-POLICE officer and granddad-of-one Gary Jones has shown his softer side by travelling the world with a cute teddy bear in memory of a friend.

Gary, 50, from Wimborne took up the challenge when he spotted Fudge sitting on a table at Angie Evans’ funeral seven years ago.

Angie, who lived in Bengal Road, Winton, lost her battle with cancer in 2007 but left Fudge with a handwritten note.

It said: “To all my friends present, this is Fudge. Would you please take him with you on all your adventures, take photos of him enjoying himself and publicise the photos to one another?

“This may help you to remember me and keep you all in touch with each other, love Angie.”

Fudge now lives with Gary, a former PC in Boscombe and Bournemouth town centre, and has had more adventures than most people manage in a lifetime. He has also raised large sums of money for charity.

His exploits included bungee jumping in New Zealand, parachuting in Holland, marathon running, kayaking, mountain climbing and cycling.

Gary, a former Police Federation rep, said: “Fudge was sat there at our dear friend Angie’s celebration of life on November 25, 2007 with a little bow tie on sitting with the note. I saw him sat there and I thought: ‘That’s just typical of her.’ “Angie was a butterfly and had a heart of gold. She would always try to mould people together at any social function, so it was a lovely idea. Ever since, there has been no looking back and Fudgemeister is part of the team, hooked on adventure.

“With the exception of the odd holiday with Tina Maton and a spot of line dancing now and again, he lives with me and accompanies me on all sorts of adventures all round the world.

“I couldn’t list all the stuff he does! There are literally hundreds of photos.

“Fudge is a regular face on the charity circuit and has helped raise thousands for many charities.”