AN ADORABLE statue of the marmalade-loving Paddington Bear has been unveiled in a town near Basingstoke.
StudioCanal unveiled the statue as part of 'Paddington Visits,' a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of the new film, Paddington in Peru.
The latest statue was unveiled in Northbrook Street in Newbury, hometown of Paddington's creator, Michael Bond and less than 30 minutes away from Basingstoke.
The statue of Paddington sat on a bench was immediately embraced passers-by, who stopped to take selfies with the famous bear.
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The meticulously crafted and painted statue sports the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.
Families and children across Britain can embark on an adventure to find their local Paddington, with locations ranging from John O’Groats to Land’s End and, of course, a very special stop in Newbury, the hometown of Paddington's creator, Michael Bond.
Warwick Heskins, chairman of Newbury BID said: "Newbury BID are excited to welcome home
Paddington, and are delighted to be part of Paddington Visits, the UK and Ireland trail.
"We are looking forward to the national and international tourism offer that Paddington will bring to our town.
"Our businesses are thrilled to hear about the installation and the economic uplift. Now
where are the marmalade sandwiches?"
Speaking on the launch of Paddington Visits, a spokesperson from StudioCanal said: "We are delighted to launch Paddington Visits, a trail which will see everyone’s favourite bear bringing fun, kindness and warmth to communities across the UK.
"We hope that everyone seeks out their local Paddington, whether that’s dropping by for a chat about your day or to enjoy a marmalade sandwich or two while enjoying the view! Paddington is ready to welcome everyone."
Locations taking part in the Paddington Visits trail include:
• Ashby de la Zouch – Ashby Spa WI Garden
• Birmingham - Medicine Terrace
• Bury St Edmunds - arc Shopping Centre
• Cardiff - St John's Gardens
• Chester - Foregate Street
• Westport - County Mayo
• Edinburgh - St Andrew Square Garden
• John O’ Groats - John O’ Groats Sign Post
• Lanark - High St
• Land’s End - Land’s End Sign Post
• Liverpool - Liverpool ONE
• London Paddington - Connaught Village
• London Westfield - White City, W12
• Manchester - Hardman Square
• Newbury – Northbrook Street
• Newtownards - Conway Square
• Penrith - Town Centre
• Peterborough - Queensgate Shopping Centre
• Reading - Broad Street
• Salisbury - Fisherton Street
• Southampton - Westquay Shopping Centre
• Sunderland - Bridges Shopping Centre
• York - Dean’s Park
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