Damaged Paddington statue fixed and back on his bench

A Paddington statue that was damaged and ripped from its bench has been repaired and is back where it belongs.

The statue of Paddington bear was stolen by two men at the beginning of March.

They have since been caught, and ordered to pay for the costs of repair.

The statue was first placed in Newbury, Berkshire - which is the hometown of Paddington creator Michael Bond - in October last year.

It was one of many which were placed all over the UK as part of a trail to mark the release of the film Paddington in Peru.

Clemmie and Lottie wrote letters for Paddington

Children from a local primary school were invited to the unveiling and many told the BBC they were relieved the marmalade-loving bear was back on his bench.

As part of the unveiling of the repaired statue, children were given the chance to write a letter welcoming Paddington back to Newbury.

These were delivered to a special postbox next to his bench.

The front of the Paddington statue was cut off but has now been repaired

The BBC spoke to two sisters who posted their own letters to Paddington.

Clemmie's letter said: "Dear Paddington welcome back… When I heard you had been stolen I was very worried."

And Lottie added: "Dear Paddington, I miss you very much, Love Lottie."