Tributes pour in for Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, who's died aged 91

Paddington Bear is as quintessentially British (even though he’s from Peru) as James Bond, Dennis The Menace and Sherlock Holmes. His stories have inspired millions for decades and there aren’t many people in the country who don’t know who he is.

Which is why it’s extra sad news that yesterday, Paddington’s creator, Michael Bond, unfortunately passed away following a short illness. He was 91.

Michael, from Reading, Berkshire, wrote his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, in 1958, and it steamrolled from there – more books (26 in total), animated shows, merchandise and a big budget movie followed, making him millions.

Alongside his main man Paddington, he also created a number of other popular characters, including a guinea pig named Olga da Polga and a French detective called Monsieur Pamplemousse, as well as a number of one-off novels and stories.

Predictably, admirers and fans have taken to Twitter to express their sadness and love:

RIP Michael.

(Image: Rex)