After winning a Wimborne competition to write a story about a teddy bear, Marie Tudor-Murphy has published her own book.

The mother of two from Wimborne has created ‘The Adventures of Sea Teddy’, with some help along the way, and it is available in three local outlets in the town including the venue that set the competition.

Her story was inspired by Wimborne Model Town, where the Wareham Bears are on display.

“They ran a teddy bear story competition in the autumn of 2021,” Marie explained. “The story could be about anything, but it had to include a teddy bear. I didn’t think anything of it at first, but one evening, as the competition was drawing to a close, my creative head went into overdrive with an idea, so I wrote it down.”

The next morning she couldn’t wait to show her husband, parents, children and a few close friends. After tweaking the story, it was complete.

“I submitted the entry and my thought was that I gave it a go… what’s the worst that could happen? I don’t win. Oh well; it’s a nice story to read to my children at least.”

To Marie’s delight, she won.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

“Wimborne Model Town and Gardens were so lovely and said they especially loved the Hasselhoff part (the children probably won’t understand that bit, but us adults will). They asked if I would like to come down with my family for a free day out, and to collect my prize from the mayor of Wimborne.

“Everyone kept saying I should turn it into a book, but I’d never created one before. Who better to ask than some inspiring friends, who are experts when it comes to creative writing and editing and have even written their own books.”

She went along the self-publishing route. Initially she wanted to to keep the book as a sentimental gesture for her children and family and enlisted the help of her friend, Kerry, from Brockenhurst College who ran a competition in her class to find someone who could illustrate the book. Talented student, Lily, was picked as the winner.

“I can honestly say she was an absolute delight to work with. Seeing my story come to life with her fabulous artwork was a special moment,” said Marie who also thanked friends Michelle and Emma for their help in bringing the book together.

The same week the sample was printed, Marie’s son’s class was holding a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and she was invited along to read The Adventures of Sea Teddy to the children.

“How could I say no? I was a little nervous but at the same time I felt so honoured and thrilled to see their reactions whilst reading to them, animating some of the scenes. My heart melted when I saw my son Leo looking so happy. He made sure he sat right at the front. The class were a fantastic audience and had some really interesting questions at the end.

“The Wimborne Model Town and Gardens are going to create a separate section in their gift shop just for me, I’m absolutely honoured. On Sunday 22 October the Wimborne Model Town and Gardens will be holding another ‘Teddy Bear Day’ which I’ll be there for,” added Marie.

“I’m not selling the book to make a profit, so it’s mainly just to cover the printing costs. I also wanted to try and make it affordable for everyone to buy.”

You can purchase The Adventures of Sea Teddy in Wimborne from Gullivers Bookshop; Fluffetts Home (stocks arriving soon), and Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, which opens from 2 April.