PADDINGTON Bear will be guest of honour at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in Havenstreet next month.

Paddington will be making appearances at intervals on the weekend of October 17 and 18, and fans of the popular Andean bear will have the chance to pose for pictures with him from a socially distanced photo point.

Steve Backhouse, general manager at The Steam Railway, said: “We are ready to make this much loved bear feel welcome at Havenstreet.

"Visitors will have the chance to see Paddington at intervals over the weekend and they will even find themed food in our refreshment room during the day.

"We can’t wait to welcome everyone over for this special event.”

Visitors attending the Railway during the weekend will need to purchase tickets at standard entry prices.

Originally from darkest Peru, Paddington found a new home with the Brown family when he arrived in London's Paddington Station — from where he took his name.

He first appeared on October 13, 1958, in the children's book A Bear Called Paddington. He has since featured in more than 20 books written by British author Michael Bond and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum and other artists.

The 'bear' essentials

Pre-booking train tickets to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is strongly encouraged, they are available to purchase via iwsteamrailway.co.uk/events/