YP Letters: Jeremy Clarkson's family played a starring role in Paddington Bear

ALONG with so many people, I was very sad to hear the news of the death of Michael Bond. He gave great pleasure to children and adults alike with the Paddington Bear stories.

But I would like to add another name to the success of Paddington – Shirley Clarkson of Gabriel Designs of Doncaster.

Shirley made the first Paddington Bear, copying the drawing in the books, and sent him to Michael for approval.

Michael was so delighted with Shirley’s portrayal of P Bear that he gave her permission to make the bear commercially and that began a very successful business for the Clarkson family.

Jeremy helped to sell the bears in his younger days and Shirley and her husband, Eddie, ran the business in Doncaster.

I wonder how many well-loved Paddingtons are still in bedrooms across the country, and still treasured by grown-up children.