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Paddington superfan backs campaign for town bear statue

Robert Constantin/ BBC A woman in a white jumper with a bear and a Christmas tree on holds a Paddington Bear wearing a red jacket and black hat. Robert Constantin/ BBC
Emma Bending has over 100 Paddington Bears in her collection

A lifelong Paddington Bear enthusiast is lending her support to a campaign to bring a statue of the beloved character to the county.

Emma Bending, from Bugbrooke, has amassed a collection of more than 100 Paddington Bears and is backing West Northamptonshire Council's efforts to secure a statue.

The initiative is part of a nationwide project to place 23 Paddington statues in towns and cities across the UK, coinciding with the release of the latest film in the series, Paddington in Peru.

Ms Bending said: "I very much want [a statue] in Northampton's market square. It's new and would bring a lot of people to the area."

"But, also it would [look] cracking outside of my house," she joked.

Carroll Weston/ BBC A closeup of a bear wearing a red hat and a royal blue coat. Behind it are three bears positioned on a sofa. Carroll Weston/ BBC
Emma Bending believes she has the biggest collection of Paddington Bears in the UK

Ms Bending's passion for Paddington began at the age of six when her grandparents gave her a book about the marmalade-loving bear, followed by her parents purchasing a Gabrielle design figure.

Over the years, her collection has grown to include notable items such as a five-foot (152cm) life-sized Steiff bear valued at £20,000.

Her devotion to Paddington even led to a personal connection with the bear's creator, Michael Bond.

"I wrote to [Michael Bond] nearly 20 years ago... and I ended up being a bit of a pen pal with him" Ms Bending recalled.

Years later, the superfan received an invitation from Mr Bond's daughter to attend the premiere of Paddington 2.

"We had front row seats and even met Ben Whishaw," Ms Bending shared, referring to the actor who voices Paddington.

"We had a fantastic time, it was lovely" she added.

The collection has now become a local attraction, with several visitors traveling to see it, although Ms Bending admitted it can be "quite a trial to get the collection out".

The council said previously: "The Paddington in Peru campaign provides an opportunity for residents, businesses and communities to share their creativity and showcase their local identity while playing a part in Paddington's legacy, boosting the profile of the area, and attracting tourism."

Emma Bending/ BBC A large collection of different Paddington Bears positioned on chairs in a conservatory. Emma Bending/ BBC
Some of Ms Bending's collection is on display in her house in Bugbrooke

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