Jars of marmalade have been left a train station statue in tribute to the memory of Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond.

The well-known author, who created the beloved children's character nearly 60 years ago, died on Tuesday (June 28) following a short illness.

Jars of marmalade have been left at Paddington Station in memory of Michael Bond

Ann-Janine Murtagh, executive publisher at HarperCollins Children's Books, announced his death at the age of 91 on Wednesday and paid tribute to the enchanting "bon viveur".

She said in a statement: "I feel privileged to have been Michael Bond's publisher - he was a true gentleman, a bon viveur, the most entertaining company and the most enchanting of writers.

"He will be forever remembered for his creation of the iconic Paddington, with his duffle coat and Wellington boots, which touched my own heart as a child and will live on in the hearts of future generations."

Tributes left at the Paddington Bear statue at the station

And following the writer's death scores of people have left tributes and jars of the preserve, which is the bear's favourite food, at a bronze statue of the animal found in Paddington Station.

Designed by the sculpture Marcus Cornish, the life-sized statue was unveiled by Michael on February 24 2000.

Why Paddington Station?

The background story of Paddington Bear says that he was found at the station sitting on his suitcase with a note attached to his coat by the Brown family.

Paddington Bear had arrived in London from "darkest Peru", with his discovery at the station giving him his name - because nobody could pronounce his South American one.

Mr and Mrs Brown adopted the bear and welcomed him into his family and their home at 32 Windsor Gardens, between Notting Hill and Maida Vale.

A number of people have left tributes at the statue of the bear

Celebrities mourned the loss of the much-loved author, with Stephen Fry, David Walliams and actor Hugh Bonneville all paying tribute on social media.

Hugh, who plays Mr Brown in the recent film adaptation of Paddington and its forthcoming sequel, said in a statement on Instagram: "It seems particularly poignant that we should learn of dear Michael Bond's death on the last day of shooting our second film about his unique, lovable creation.

"In Paddington, Michael created a character whose enthusiasm and optimism has given pleasure to millions across the generations.

Mamalade is Paddington Bear's favourite food

"Michael will be greatly missed by his legions of fans and especially by his wife Sue, his family and of course by his beloved guinea pigs," said Bonneville.

"He leaves a special legacy: long live the bear from darkest Peru."

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