The Teddy Bear Museum's resident human-sized bear enjoyed a special screening of a newly-released children's film.

Edward Bear is pictured at The Plaza Cinema in Dorchester watching his great friend Paddington Bear on his second adventure, which is released in cinemas on Friday.

Paddington, the duffel coated, marmalade loving bear was born in 1958 from the imagination of Michael Bond. Since then, Paddington has become a great favourite with children world wide selling over 35 million copies of Paddington books in more than 40 languages. The story books of the exploits of this bear from Peru have never cease to thrill and amuse children.

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 the release of the new star-studded film.

The famous bear has also inspired a special Paddington display at the Dorchester Teddy Bear Museum.

The display features some exquisite Paddington’s, some of the first Paddington’s created as a soft toy in 1972 by Gabrielle Designs, often limited editions, alongside others including a special Steiff produced to mark his 50th birthday.

As well as many different example 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.

Jackie Ridley, curator at The Teddy Bear Museum, said: "Paddington is, quite simply, a national treasure! He is a firm favourite of the many visitors to the Teddy Bear Museum - and the bears here too.

"His new adventure is brilliant, and of course you have to see it armed with plenty of marmalade sandwiches.

"We are really pleased to team up with the Plaza Cinema to offer their customers 10 per cent off all the bears in our shop so they can get their own Paddington to take home to live with them."