Paddington takes a pew in Conway Square

Mayor of Ards and North Down Alistair Cathcart shares a jar of marmalade with Paddington Bear.

A FAMOUS bear from Peru arrived in Newtownards on Thursday.

Paddington delighted fans of all ages as he took a pew on one of the benches in Conway Square, where he was welcomed by Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alistair Cathcart.

The Paddington statue is one of 23 located in cities, towns and beauty spots across the UK and Ireland – his ‘seat’ in the Square is the only one in Northern Ireland.

The trail of statues entitled ‘Paddington Visits’, celebrates the forthcoming release of ‘Paddington in Peru’, arriving in cinemas on November 8.

Passersby in Newtownards buzzed with excitement as they gathered to welcome its newest neighbour: a meticulously crafted and painted statue sporting the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.

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.

With Paddington coming to towns, cities and beauty spots, film company STUDIOCANAL has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to help intrepid explorers discover Paddington in various locations in the UK and Ireland, head on over to Ordnance Survey’s website to learn more.

The new adventure will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

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