Year Two pupils at Purvis Primary School in Warwick have been looking after a very special guest this week.

The six-year-olds have had the honour of playing hosts to George -- a very special Polar Bear all the way from Canada.

The cuddly teddy has already travelled halfway around the world as part of an educational project to encourage communication between children from all five continents.

Having started his journey in Toronto as a VIP of Air Canada, George flew to London where he met youngsters from a school in the UK's capital.

Then it was on to Vancouver, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Sydney before arriving in Bermuda last week.

Whenever he leaves a country George takes with him an envelope packed with information written by the children of that school explaining their culture and way of life. Unique items such as coins, stamps and postcards are also included in the package.

Year Two teacher Gaynette Hayward said: "George has been a real inspiration to the children -- they're very enthusiastic about him.

"Because he's a Polar Bear he's encouraged us to start looking at cold climates and bears as well as other countries.

"We have a map and we are going to follow his progress around the world so we can learn about other countries.

"We'll be sending some pamphlets showing tourist attractions and historical aspects of Bermuda and Year Five students will be writing essays about our parish and culture. We'll also be sending a Bermudian pin.

"I think it's a wonderful idea and hopefully it will put Bermuda in the forefront of the minds of other children.'' George's next port of call will be Barbados and project organisers Air Canada hope to get him around the world within the next two years.

Air Canada customer services agent Carol-Ann Ramsay said: "George was the idea of somebody at Air Canada in Toronto.

"He left there in November and went on to London. He really is a lovely teddy and the children like him. It's a good way of encouraging children to learn about different cultures.''