A bear’s word is his Bond

October 1958 saw the first appearance of Paddington Bear, the creation of Michael Bond, who has died aged 91.

Through the original books, the 1970s TV animation and the 2014 film, Paddington, like all great heroes, appeals to many generations. The frightfully polite marmalade-loving bear from darkest Peru was adopted not only by the Browns, but by the UK – an immigrant who became a quintessential part of a British childhood.

With a “please look after this bear” tag on his blue duffle coat, the Browns didn’t have to be asked twice. They would do exactly that. An act of kindness, of generosity and love to help someone – some bear – in need. More innocent times perhaps, but our hero’s philosophy was futuristic as he famously said: “In London everyone is different and that means anyone can fit in.”

For many of us, Paddington was part of our childhood and thanks to the recent film, he is enjoying a renaissance. And rightly so. Simple stories that capture the imagination are the ones that have longevity and remind us to be better people. Adios para siempre, Michael Bond.