diff --git a/lcl/editbtn.pas b/lcl/editbtn.pas
index aaf144dc81..0ffb489c6c 100644
--- a/lcl/editbtn.pas
+++ b/lcl/editbtn.pas
@@ -365,6 +365,7 @@ type
     constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override;
     destructor Destroy; override;
     procedure InvalidateFilter;
+    function ForceFilter(AFilter : String = '') : String;
     procedure StoreSelection; virtual; abstract;
     procedure RestoreSelection; virtual; abstract;
   public
@@ -1834,6 +1835,13 @@ begin
   IdleConnected:=true;
 end;
 
+function TCustomControlFilterEdit.ForceFilter(AFilter: String): String;
+begin
+  Result := FFilter;
+  FFilter := AFilter;
+  ApplyFilter(True);
+end;
+
 function TCustomControlFilterEdit.GetDefaultGlyphName: String;
 begin
   Result := ResBtnListFilter;