A GRATEFUL motorcyclist was reunited with his missing lucky teddy bear after sharp-eyed workmen spotted it on a motorway.

The man lost the 20-year-old bear, a present from his wife, as he rode along the M27 between Eastleigh and Totton. He carried the cuddly toy - his lucky mascot - every time he embarked upon a journey but last month the teddy bear fell from his rucksack as he sped along.

Devastated at the loss, the man, who does not wish to be named, contacted the Highways Agency, responsible for Britain's motorways. Eighteen days after it disappeared, contractors inspecting the M27 spotted the teddy bear near Rownhams services, near Southampton.

One of the Highways Agency's route supervisors contacted the motorcyclist and arranged for the bear's safe return.

The motorcyclist, who lives in Southbourne, near Portsmouth, said: "The teddy bear was given to me more than 20 years ago by my wife. We have taken him all round the world on our travels with us, and we are very pleased to have him back."

John Rylett, area manager for the Highways Agency, said: "We were pleased to be able to help in this situation.

"Obviously the bear was of great sentimental value and we are pleased to have been able to return it to its rightful owner."

He added: "It is also a timely reminder to all road users to make sure that any luggage or loads they are carrying are firmly secured before they set out."