Bloomin' 'eck. Paddington Bear is 50! It's quite hard to believe it really. I mean, I know he's old, but so universal is Paddington's appeal that he feels like he belongs to every age-group! The first story was published in 1958, when he was found at London's Paddington station with a note that said: "Please look after this bear." When I first saw him, I felt like he was mine... but then again, others who are considerably younger probably do too. With that, I think we can all celebrate his birthday with a marmalade sandwich or two! But what is Paddington doing to celebrate?

First off, fans will be able to celebrate Paddington's 50th anniversary with a party in London. More than 200 local school children are expected to attend the event. Proceeds made from the party will be donated to the charity Action Medical Research which is being held near Paddington station. The charity has a fundraising campaign called Touching Tiny Lives, which has already raised more than £3m to help vulnerable babies. Isn't that great?

Not only that, but there's a new Paddington book out which is called 'Paddington Here and Now' and has been penned by master storyteller, Michael Bond. This new one is the first new novel in three decades and was published earlier this month. In a cheeky twist, the latest tale is about our favourite bear (okay, Rupert might have something to say about that) being arrested and interrogated over his immigration status. Here's a classic clip...