LONDON Nov. 27 (People’s Daily Online) —— Eight Paddington Bear statues have been put together in Paddington to mark the release of The Paddington Movie in UK cinemas on 28 November 2014. Designers of these eight statues include author Michael Bond, TV presenter Jonathan Ross, fashion designer Lulu Guinness and artist Hannah Warren. All of 50 statues designed by celebrities and artists that have been placed across London from 4th November. The statues will be auctioned online to raise vital funds for the NSPCC and its ChildLine service from 10 December.

Paddington is set for a visitor boom following the launch of eight statues across the area, according to The Paddington Partnership. Some 16,000 people visit the Paddington Basin every day, and this is set to soar by 15 percent as a result of Trail’s arrival.

Every year, some 61 million passengers pass through the globally and historically significant Paddington Station, yet many do not venture beyond the platform. The Paddington Partnership predict that the arrival of The Paddington Trail, and the carefully chosen locations for the eight statues, will lead more visitors to step outside the Station and discover some of area’s ‘hidden gems’ from its performing bridges and its spectacular canals to its beautiful gardens and squares.

Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, The Paddington Partnership says, “With Paddington the inspiration for Michael Bond’s world famous Peruvian explorer, it is only fitting that this lovable Bear should now be encouraging visitors to explore all Paddington has to offer beyond the historic Station.”

David Lockyer, Director of West End Offices, British Land says, “Paddington Central is delighted to be hosting a Paddington Bear and pleased it has provided the opportunity for local students from Westminster Academy to engage in such a high profile project via British Land's rolling art programme. Our redevelopment plans for Paddington Central will revitalise the area, improving the public space and campus experience, complementing the surrounding areas which have so much to offer but are often overlooked. We hope The Paddington Trail will encourage visitors to explore and enjoy the undiscovered delights that Paddington has to offer."