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Winnie the Pooh, always referred to as "he" in AA Milne's books and with a man's voice in the Disney cartoons, was in fact inspired by a female bear called Winnipeg.

Lindsey Mattick, author of 'Finding Winnie', explained the story behind the fictional character and how she and Christopher Robin met in London Zoo.

"She was a real black bear cub from Canada, originally called Winnipeg - Winnie for short".

Despite being based on a female bear, Lindsey does not necessarily think the character in the books should also be represented also be a girl.

"It's just a lot of fun for people to realise there is a real story behind the fictional story".

Pictured: Christopher Robin's original bear.

This clip is originally from 5 live Breakfast on November 9 2015.