STUDIOCANAL has unveiled a statue of marmalade loving Paddingon Bear at London Paddington.

Launched as part of Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru, arriving in cinemas on November 8, Paddington took a seat on a bench in Connaught Village (London Paddington) and was immediately embraced by the local community.

With passersby stopping for selfies, London’s Connaught Village is one of 23 locations taking part in Paddington Visits, a trail which will see the special statues appearing in cities, towns and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland.

Families and children can embark on an adventure to find their local Paddington, with locations ranging from John O’Groats to Land’s End, Westport Co. Mayo to London and, of course, a very             special stop in Newbury, the hometown of Paddington’s creator, Michael Bond.

STUDIOCANAL has also teamed up with  Ordnance Survey to help explorers discover Paddington in various locations in the UK and Ireland.

Kay Buxton, chief executive, Marble Arch London BID, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paddington to Connaught Village, a few marmalade pawprints from where he first met the Browns       at Paddington station. We hope that people from across London and beyond come to visit the statue, sit with Paddington and explore the many shops, restaurants, cafes and attractions Connaught Village and the wider Marble Arch area have to offer, you might even be able to find yourself a marmalade sandwich!”

James Parker, senior asset manager, Church Commissioners for England, said: “We can’t wait to welcome Paddington, marmalade-loving British icon from the wilds of Peru to the shores of Connaught Village – just a short stroll from where he was first found on hisbattered suitcase in Paddington station. Everyone’s favourite bear will be dropping in on the independent boutiques, galleries and restaurants of Connaught Village and Marble Arch so we welcome anyone and everyone to the area to come and ask for a photograph and video!”

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 David’s Centre

•         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