Southampton will be one of 20 locations included in a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of a new film starring the beloved fictional bear.

Paddington Visits will see benches unveiled featuring a statue of Paddington ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru in November. 

Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.

READ MORE: Coronation Street and X Factor stars to appear in Chicago

From Liverpool to Land’s End and Birmingham to Bury St Edmunds, as well as London Paddington station and a yet to be confirmed city centre location in Southampton, special statues are coming to cities, towns, and beauty spots across the UK and Ireland in early October.

Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr. Brown in the film, said: "I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear.

"Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington…coming to a bench near you!”

Paddington in Peru is in cinemas on November 8.

This new adventure, from the team behind Paddington and Paddington 2, 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.

Salisbury will also be graced with a Paddington Bear bench. 

The other locations for the Paddington statue benches are Ashby, Cardiff, Chester, County Mayo, Edinburgh, John O'Groats, Lanark, London Westfield, Manchester, Newbury, Newtownards, Penrith, Peterborough, Sunderland and York.