THIS weekend I am planning to head to the Odeon cinema in Dorchester to watch the new Paddington bear film then I plan to go to the town’s teddy bear museum to see the Paddington exhibition there.

To celebrate Paddington Bear’s launch in the film world next weekend the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum in Dorchester has a special display on the world’s most famous bear that brings together some iconic examples of Paddington.

Paddington, the duffel coated, marmalade loving bear was born in 1958, thanks to the imagination of Michael Bond.

Since then, Paddington has become a great favourite with children worldwide, selling more than 35million copies of Paddington books, detailing the exploits of this bear from Peru in more than 40 languages.

In 1975 the first animated tale of Paddington was shown on television by the BBC.

Now finally Paddington has made it to the big screen with a new star-studded film.

To celebrate this release the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum has a special Paddington display, which features some exquisite Paddingtons, some of the first Paddingtons created as a soft toy in 1972 by Gabrielle Designs, alongside others including a special Steiff produced to mark his 50th birthday.

As well as many different examples of Paddington Bear, he is surrounded by much of his memorabilia including books, toys, games and posters.

Keeping Paddington company are some lovely examples of rare Aunt Lucy bears.

Marking the occasion the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is offering half price admissions if you mention the secret phrase ‘Marmalade Sandwiches’, as well as 20 per cent off all Paddington merchandise.

The Teddy Bear Museum is in the centre of Dorchester and is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Visit teddybearmuseum.co.uk