A statue of Paddington bear has been unveiled in Southampton.

It comes as 23 Paddington statues are being installed across the UK to celebrate the cinema release of Paddington in Peru.

The statue – which features Paddington bear in his iconic red hat and blue overcoat, holding a marmalade sandwich on a bench – will become a permanent fixture of Southampton city centre’s landscape, located outside the Waterstones entrance to Westquay.

Unveiling the statue to the city was Southampton’s children’s mayor, Freya Orendecki.

Speaking to the Echo, she said: “It was such an honour to unveil the statue.

“Paddington is so amazing and has some great adventures. I like how he’s sat there with his marmalade sandwich.

“The joy of Paddington is that he is silly, funny, and always happy.

“He always wants to make new friends and adventures, and every day is different.”

The children's mayor unveiling the Paddington bear statue in Southampton (Image: Matt Davey) READ MORE: Mayflower Theatre show in doubt over Welsh National Opera strike

The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Dave Shields said: “I used to read the Paddington books when I was a child and I’m so surprised that it’s still popular – if not more popular – today, than when I was a nipper.

“It’s a nice addition to the shopping centre and I’m so pleased the children’s mayor could have pride of place with it today, as it means a lot to her.

“I was so pleased to have my picture taken with the statue, it will do wonders for my popularity.”

Stephen Manion, executive director of GO! Southampton, added: “We are delighted that Southampton is one of 23 locations on the Paddington Visits trail to have a special Paddington bench to celebrate the launch of the latest film starring the beloved fictional bear.

“Children and adults alike have so much affection for Paddington, and we’re sure the new bench will be a major attraction for residents and visitors.”

The film releases on November 8.