Bear facts

“Shirley Clarkson, mum of Top Gear’s Jeremy, was at Waterstone’s book store in the Frenchgate Centre on Saturday to talk about her part in the history of Paddington Bear. Shirley created a soft toy version of the loveable character in 1971 for her own children after reading Michael Bond’s book ‘A Bear Called Paddington’.

Her creation brought the author’s character to life and went on to become the official Paddington toy and one of the most recognised furry faces in Britain. Shirley is pictured signing a copy of her book, ‘Bearly Believable’, for Ebony-Rose Kroger, six, of Bessacarr. Also pictured is Waterstone’s bookseller Leilah Skelton and an original Paddington Bear.”