Children at St Mary’s Hospital have been treated to a visit from Paddington Bear author Michael Bond CBE.

The 90-year-old and his wife popped into the hospital in Paddington to donate dozens of his books and sign copies for some of the children to take home.

He also answered questions from the young patients who discovered that, like his much-loved character, he is a huge fan of marmalade and has it on his toast every morning.

Mr Bond said: “It has been brilliant to meet the children and see them enjoying my books. I never could have imagined that Paddington would be enjoyed for so many generations when I first started writing them and it is marvellous to see that he is still so loved.

The children also found out that the character is named after Mr Bond’s favourite station before a play specialist at the hospital read to the crowd from one of the books.

The event was organised by Imperial College Healthcare Charity, which raises money for equipment, research and projects in the children’s department at St Mary’s Hospital.

The charity supports wards and departments across the five hospitals of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

For more information about the charity, go to its website .