Michael Bond memorial: Stars gather to celebrate life of Paddington Bear creator
A CELEBRATION of the life of Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond has taken place at St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday.
Hugh Bonneville and Stephen Fry attend Michael Bond memorial
The English author, who penned more than 200 books, died in June, aged 91, following a short illness.
His memorial service took place at St Paul's, where his final Paddington book - to be published next year - is set.
Stars of the Paddington movies, Hugh Bonneville, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin, were in attendance.
Bond's daughter Karen Jankel and family, as well as Paddington stars and executive publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh, led the tributes.
As well as friends, family and colleagues attending the celebration of Bond's life, seats were also made available to members of the public.
Children's authors as well as book illustrators, teachers, librarians and schoolchildren were invited.
The memorial service featured readings and music paying tribute to Bond, whose first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published in 1958.
Kate Middleton DANCES with Paddington Bear on platform
Bond also created characters such as Olga da Polga and A Mouse Called Thursday, along with a series of novels for adults featuring the detective Monsieur Pamplemousse.
Instead of floral tributes, donations are being given to Action Medical Research.
Bond was involved with the charity for more than 40 years, with Paddington its official mascot.