Paddington is visiting the North East this year as a statue of the marmalade-loving bear is set to be unveiled in Sunderland.

The statue is part of 'Paddington Visits', a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland, announced by STUDIOCANAL from early October.

Each statue is meticulously crafted and painted, sporting the bear's signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and a marmalade sandwich in his paw.

They will be placed on benches, inviting fans to sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich, or to write a postcard to Aunt Lucy.

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, said: "I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear.

"Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade-loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington... coming to a bench near you."

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The trail is coming ahead of the bear's latest cinematic adventure, 'Paddington in Peru'.

This new film will see Paddington return to the Peruvian jungle to visit his Aunt Lucy, now living at the Home for Retired Bears.

Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy, according to STUDIOCANAL.

Other locations taking part in Paddington Visits include Ashby, Birmingham, Bury St Edmunds, Cardiff, Chester, County Mayo, Edinburgh, John O’Groats, Lanark, Land’s End, Liverpool, London Paddington, London Westfield, Manchester, Newbury, Newtownards, Penrith, Peterborough, Reading, Salisbury, Southampton, and York.

'Paddington in Peru' will be released in UK and Ireland cinemas on November 8, 2024.