Paddington statue takes seat with shoppers

Paddington fan Freddie was first to be photographed with the sculpture

A statue of Paddington Bear, complete with marmalade sandwich, has gone on display at a shopping centre.

The famous Peruvian export can be seen perched on a bench at the Bridges in Sunderland.

Three-year-old fan Freddie was first to be pictured with Paddington after Monday's unveiling.

Director of the Bridges, Karen Eve, said: "It's lovely to have the sculpture here and we hope families will come to us and get their pictures taken with him."

The statue is one of 23 placed around the UK and Ireland by the film company Studio Canal.

It features Paddington's famous red hat, blue duffle coat and his favourite snack.

The marmalade fan will be perched outside the Bridges shopping centre for at least a year

Paddington was brought to life by novelist Michael Bond in 1958 and his stories have since been adapted for TV and film.

After Sunderland's Mayor, Councillor Allison Chisnall, unveiled the statue, children lined up to get their pictures taken.

Freddie's mam Stacey Gunn said; "My kids love Paddington and I'm sure every time we're out doing shopping now we'll have to stop by and say hello."

The sculpture will remain in the Bridges for the next calendar year, but Ms Eve said it could stay "indefinitely."

South Shields animator Shiela Graber, who worked on the 1980's TV show, said: "I think it's brilliant. He's a character which has really stood the test of time."