Free travel, meals and the chance to shake hands with a famous bear onboard the Heathrow Express has been tied in with the release of film Paddington.

As the half-term holidays kick-off, and families get away for the week, youngsters aged 15 and under are being offered free travel on the rail service between Paddington and Heathrow throughout Christmas, and until the end of the year.

One of the major events families can enjoy as part of the film's impending release on November 28, is to meet Paddington on board the express service, this Wednesday, October 29, where he will be opening his briefcase to hand out activity packs and goodies to children riding the rail.

In addition, families travelling through Heathrow can also take advantage of free children's meals at seven airport restaurants from Sunday (Nov 2).

And to add to the fun the Paddington Trail will begin next Tuesday, November 4, where explorers can go in search of 50 hidden Paddington statues dotted all around the city.