STEAM, the Museum of the Great Western Railway, has invited one of the world's favourite book characters to a special family event.

That intrepid ursine explorer, Paddington Bear, is making a trip from the depths of darkest Peru for the event at the museum this Saturday, May 4.

Children can join Paddington in a teddy bears' picnic on the Station Platform, put forward their own teddy for the best-dressed bear competition and be entertained with stories read by Paddington's good friend, Mr Brown.

Steam is presenting the event as part of National Museums and Galleries Month, a countrywide initiative putting museums and galleries in the spotlight during May.

Admission to see Paddington Bear is included in the normal admission price to the museum under fives go free.

Steam will also be hosting children's writing workshops and authors' events for young people as part of the Swindon Festival of Literature, also on Saturday, May 4.

For more information on Steam events, call 466646 or go to www.steam-museum.org.uk