OUR latest story from the Advertiser's archives looks back 15 years to the tale of a teddy bear who was set to travel to the Sahara with a Rosneath woman.

Here's how we reported on his forthcoming adventure in the Advertiser on February 19, 2004...

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A BRAVE bear is set to boldly go where no teddy has gone before this month.

Little ted Edward will be braving the searing sands of the Sahara along with braveheart Rhona Paterson of Rosneath as they look to raise money for the Scottish Society of Autism.

Along with 46 other intrepid explorers, Rhona is aiming to help raise over £50,000 during the Bravehearts to the Sahara trek from Sunday, February 28.

To aid her on her trip, the 1st Rosneath Guides agreed to let their tiny friend go get some sand between his paws and see if his furry coat causes him any bother in the 38 degree heat.

Edward, who has already been on an oil rig, will soon be travelling to Tasmania and then Canada as part of a challenge set by the guides to see how many places he could be sent to.

Rhona, who will return with Edward on Monday, March 8, said: “The guides and the brownies have helped so much with fund-raising and taking the bear is just a bit of extra fun.

“A lot of people like the caravan park, Raymond Grieve, Rhu Primary, all the 49-ers who did my lottery bonus ball every week and everyone else have done so much in sponsoring me.

“Now I’m all packed and I’m ready to go.”