Michael Bond, the creator of children's character Paddington Bear, has died aged 91.
Bond published his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, in 1958.
He died at his home on Tuesday following a short illness, a statement from his publisher, HarperCollins, said.
Executive Publisher at HarperCollins Children's Book, Ann-Janine Murtagh, said: "I feel privileged to have been Michael Bond's publisher - he was a true gentleman, a bon viveur, the most entertaining company and the most enchanting of writers.
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"He will be forever remembered for his creation of the iconic Paddington, with his duffle coat and wellington boots, which touched my own heart as a child and will live on in the hearts of future generations. My thoughts and love are with his wife, Sue, and his children, Karen and Anthony."
His daughter, Karen Jankel, told the Guardian that 'the whole world' was lucky to have had her father and that his legacy would live on 'forever' through his creation.
Jankel said: "It's a shock to everybody. For me, he was the most wonderful father you can imagine, so obviously our loss is personal. But it's wonderful that he's left the legacy of his books and Paddington that will live on forever, which is really very special.
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"The whole world is lucky to have had him ... Paddington himself is so real to all of us, he's still a part of our family and we're very lucky."
The character, a bear from Peru who goes to live in London, inspired a series of books, an animated series and a 2014 film.
The author, born in Newbury, Berkshire, in 1926, was still writing prior to his death, having had Paddington's Finest Hour published in April. In 2015, he was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
RIP, thank you for the childhood memories.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: UK
