A CUMBRIAN Hospice at Home store has had the Paddington bear taken from their shop, as the ask the person who has hold of the bear to 'love him as much as they do' until he can be returned.

The store in Penrith had the bear taken from their store where he was placed as a celebration of the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards and Festival on Friday, April 19.

The store have encouraged the culprit to 'love him as much as the Penrith staff' until they can return him to the store.

In a statement on social media, Hospice at Home shops said: "Sad news from our Penrith shop from the weekend

"Our lovely Paddington Bear was manning the marmalade sandwiches in celebration of The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards & Festival on Friday, but someone has decided to take him.

"We hope that whoever has taken Paddington loves him as much as the Penrith staff, volunteers and customers do, until you can return him."