When Arthur was five years old he woke up to a lovely sunny day and his mummy came into the bedroom to wish him a happy birthday.

As he was eating his breakfast he heard a big plop in the hall and he rushed out to pick up all of his birthday cards. He was so pleased as he opened them and his two sisters sat and read them too. They were all laughing and put the cards on the table.

Then there was a knock at the door and when Arthur opened it he was surprised to see Teddy Bear standing before him dressed in his motorbike gear. Behind him was his motor bike gleaming in the bright sunlight.

"Happy Birthday Arthur - would you like to come for a ride on my motor bike as a birthday treat?" asked Teddy Bear. "Oh yes plkease," replied Arthur and quickly put on his warm coat, gloves, helmet and goggles.

Teddy started up the bike and Arthur jumped on the back. "Hold tight," shouted Teddy and the bike shot off down the road, the engine roaring very loudly. Arthur loved it - Teddy went down all the long country lanes and Arthur could feel the wind in his face. As there had been a lot of rain the previous day, there were lots of big puddles on the road and all the ducks were swimming around in them. As the bike rushed through the puddles it sent clouds of water rushing up into the air and the ducks flew around in all directions crashing into each other to get out of the way. Teddy and Arthur were laughing but they knew that the ducks hadn't come to any harm. It was so funny.

After a while they stopped at a little shop and Teddy Bear went in and bought two ice creams and they say on the wall enjoying the lovely treat. A lady was walking towards them and Arthur could see that she was crying. "Oh dear, I am so silly, I have forgotten to send a birthday present to my little grand daughter, it's her birthday today." Arthur could hear her saying this to her friend and he saw she was carrying a small parcel.

Arthur smile at the lady and said,. "I heard what you have just said. Could my friend Teddy Bear and I help you? Where does your grand daughter live?" The lady smile and said, "Only in the next village, she will be so disappointed that I haven't sent her a present." Arthur turned to Teddy and said, "Why dont we deliver the present to the little girl," and Teddy said, "What a good idea Arthur."

So the lady gave Arthur the address of her grand daughter and off they rode again and soon came to the village and found the address and Arthur knocked on the door. A girl answered and Arthur said, Is your name Rosie?" "Yes," she replied and Arthur gave her the present. Rosie was so pleased and thanked Arthur and Teddy and she explained that her grannie had telephoned to say that Arthur was coming to see her. "Thank you again.it was very kind of you." "That's okay Rosie, have a happy birthday," and Arthur and Teddy Bear once again set off to continue their exciting journey, waving their goodbyes to Rosie.

As they drove down the next country lane Teddy Bear saw something ahead that made him put his brakes on. When they stopped they saw a donkey standing in the middle of the road looking very puzzled and frightened. "Look Arthur, the donkey has escaped from his field, we must put him back again or he will get run over." So Teddy and Arthur walked over to the donkey and Arthur guided the poot anim,al back into the field and made sure the gate was securely fastened. The donkey was very grateful and brayed his thanks very loudly. Arthur and Teddy thought he looked very comical because he threw his head back, his ears lying almost flat and his big teeth pointing to the sky.

Teddy smiled and said, "Well we seem to have been very useful today Arthur." "Yes, what a good job we delivered the present to Rosie, otherwise that poor donkey might have got into all sorts of trouble," replied Arthur.

"Of course, that's what friends are for," smiled Teddy Bear and they drove back to Arthur's house and said goodbye with thanks for each other's company.

When Arthur saw his mum and dad with his sisters Isobel and Tilda, he told them of his very exciting birthday treat and laughter filled the happy house.......