Youngsters meet Paddington

Direct from deepest, darkest Peru, Paddington Bear came to visit youngsters at Macclesfield’s Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

The much-loved bear swapped the South American jungles to meet local children at the mall, who queued to meet him.

Armed with his trademark suitcase, duffle coat and signature hat, Paddington was delighted to have pictures taken with his young fans who packed into the mall to see him.

One family delighted to meet the cuddly character were the Ciocirlans from Newton Street in Macclesfield.

Mum Anna-Marie had brought six-year-old Anca and David, aged three, to the Grosvenor Centre especially to meet their hero.

She said: “It has been very exciting for them. They’ve been waiting for today since last week and we’ve seen the movie which they loved.

“They all cheered for Paddington when he arrived. They’ve had their pictures taken with him and Anca gave him a big cuddle and a kiss – she’s very happy.

“There is a treasure hunt on around the shopping centre too and we’re going to try that while we’re here.

“It’s very nice that they have these things on to keep them busy and active during the holidays and it’s all free which is great for the parents.”

Grosvenor Centre manager Ed Kennedy said: “We were delighted to welcome Paddington to the centre this week and his visit certainly proved popular with local people.

“He is such an enduring character, having been about for over 50 years now, so seemed to go down well with young and old alike.”

The stories of Paddington Bear first appeared in 1958 in the books by Michael Bond and have remained popular for decades before being propelled to the top of the box office with the recent smash hit film released in 2014.

Introducing Paddington to a whole new generation, the movie has ensured the marmalade-loving bear continues to draw large crowds wherever he goes and the Grosvenor Centre was no exception last week with scores of visitors clamouring to say hello.

Amongst those that had been counting down to his visit were Frank and Fleur Foster, aged three and seven, who had been brought to the Grosvenor Centre by their dad, Stefan.

He said: “We knew this was on and the kids have been on about it for a week so there was no question over whether we were coming or not!

“It has been really good though and they want to go and see him again now. It’s quite interactive and great for the kids.

“They’ve been watching the film for the whole week, but it is a good one.”

Both children had a hug and their pictures taken with the bumbling bear before embarking on the Grosvenor Centre treasure hunt as well.

“Events like this are great,” added Stefan, who lives in Rainow, “They keep the kids entertained and you can manage to get a bit of shopping done at the same time.”

Macclesfield’s Grosvenor Centre, open daily, is home to 36 stores from fashion, health and beauty to services and food and drink. More details at www.grosvenorshopping.co.uk