Paddington’s ‘biggest fan’ has a collection of bears worth £20,000

Britain’s biggest Paddington fan has been in love with the cuddly creature since she was a little girl.

But rather than look after just one bear, as Aunt Lucy requested, Emma Bending now has a collection of memorabilia worth thousands.

Her latest acquisition is a life-size Steiff Paddington that cost £1,800.

The mother-of-six, 54, said: “I was just four when I first fell in love with Paddington, with his little blue hat, red coat and suitcase. My grandparents gave me a book called Great Big Paddington Bear for my birthday.”

Now half a century later the school attendance administrator’s hoard of more than 500 items is worth around £20,000.

Her Northampton home is filled with teddies, books and prints.

She also has five first edition books signed by author Michael Bond, which are valued up to £3,000. The collection also includes a giant bear originally part of a Harrods display, which set her back £400.

One of the most unusual items is a letter from Buckingham Palace thanking bear manufacturers Steiff for the Paddington they sent Princess Anne when she gave birth to son Peter in 1977.

Now Emma’s excitement for the ursine superstar is about to go into overdrive. On Friday, the latest big-screen outing, Paddington in Peru, hits cinemas.

Joining Hugh Bonneville and Julie Walters in the third film of the franchise is Oscar winner Olivia Colman and Mask of Zorro star Antonio Banderas.

Emma said: “Last time Michael Bond’s daughter Karen invited me to the premiere. We sat right behind all the stars. It was amazing.

“I am sure it will be brilliant. I’m very excited.”