Film-maker's award for bear trilogy

His delight was doubled when the 16-minute story, The Messenger, was given the title of the top entry among the 31 competitors in the latest Surrey Film-Video Festival.

He made the film with his son, Christopher. It continues the story of flying teddy Ted's adventures on a USA Air Force Flying Fortress.

He teams up with an ex-Luftwaffe doll, Heidi, for the adventure which ends with their return to being nursery toys.

The humour and the skill involved in bringing the models to life attracted the attention of the judges.

Mr Lilley (73), of Fernhurst Gardens, said: "I thought we would be in with a chance of winning the best animation award.

"But I never expected us to get the prize for being the best entry."

The successes follow the best animation prize for the previous chapter of the three-part story.

This was entered into the 2005 competition to which Mr Lilley has links through Guildford's Circle Eight Film Group from his time living in Surrey.

The first of the episodes dates back 17 years. That was made by the traditional hand-drawn method.

This has been replaced by computer programs which enable films to be made in about 25 per cent of the previous time it took.

But the joy of animation is still there for Mr Lilley. It took about two years to create The Messenger with the over-riding need for accurate sequencing and synchronisation.

"Being an animator is like being a god. It's remarkable when you see the stories come to life. You are the creator of that world," he explained.

"Making a cartoon is not just about drawing.

"It's picture making and getting the idea for the story."

A short follow up about Teddy is being made for the amusement of Mr Lilley's three-year-old grandson.