No, not a new train service from London (may be one day!) but one of the world's most famous bears is visiting the GWR this weekend (19th and 20th April).  Complete with hat and duffel coat, Paddington Bear* will be mingling with the crowds at Toddington and Winchcombe stations. Amazingly it's his 50th birthday and where better to celebrate this special occasion than on a station that once was part of the Great Western Railway, whose London terminus was Paddington after whom the little bear was named.

A special train timetable is running and you can download a copy of it here.  Other attractions include the Punch & Judy, magic, bouncy castle, an old fashioned Routemaster bus to ride on, the narrow gauge railway and lots more.  And of course, ask for a marmalade sandwich if you go into the Flag & Whistle for a cuppa - after all, that was Paddington's favourite food!

The GWR has issued a press release which you can download here.  Normal train fares apply and Daily Express 'Kids Go Free' vouchers (originals clipped from the newspaper please, not photocopies) will be accepted.

Don't miss it!

*PADDINGTON BEAR^TM  ©Paddington & Coompany Ltd 2008.  Licensed by Copyrights Group