Paddington Bear statue unveiled in Norwich Cathedral grounds

Norwich has officially welcomed its newest resident, with a brand-new Paddington statue being unveiled in the grounds of its cathedral today.

Arriving just in time for February half-term, the unveiling event was attended by excited local schoolchildren, cathedral choristers and even the Dean of Norwich, as everyone gathered to welcome their favourite marmalade-loving bear to the city.

Sitting proudly on a bench near the cathedral’s herb garden and dressed in his signature red hat and blue duffle coat, the East Anglian capital received the honour of hosting Paddington after triumphing more than 90 other towns and cities to win a competition to find a home for STUDIOCANAL’s 24th specially commissioned statue.

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “Norwich Cathedral is delighted to host a Paddington statue. Paddington, the bear from Peru, is known for his kindness and curiosity and is loved by all ages. We look forward to welcoming all those eager to have a picture taken alongside him.”

The Norwich statue now joins the Paddington Visits statue trail, which has seen 23 statues appear in cities, towns such as Bury St Edmunds and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland since October last year.

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