In Newbury, England, a repaired statue of Paddington Bear has been unveiled, restoring the beloved character to his familiar spot. The statue features Paddington wearing his iconic red bucket hat and blue coat, with a label that reads, “Please look after this bear.”
The unveiling took place on Wednesday, coinciding with pleasant springtime weather, and attracted both adults and children eager to see the famous bear. The statue had been vandalized last month by two members of the British Royal Air Force, who left it in a damaged state. A judge subsequently sentenced the individuals to 150 hours of community service and ordered them to pay £2,725, approximately $3,500, for the statue's repair.
This statue is one of 23 that were installed across Britain and Ireland to promote the movie “Paddington in Peru.” It holds particular significance in Newbury, as it is the birthplace of Michael Bond, the author of the Paddington Bear series.
Following the restoration, both vandals expressed remorse for their actions. With Paddington Bear back in place, the community can once again enjoy his presence, as he is depicted peacefully snacking on a marmalade sandwich, embodying the spirit of kindness and politeness that his character represents.