Every small boy wanted to be a steam engine driver when they grew up in the old days, including me. There's something very special about them - the noise, the smell, the steam coming out everywhere.

As a cameraman, I was paid to stand within a few feet of Yehudi Menuhin performing. I saw Rudolph Nureyev dancing. I couldn't believe I was being paid for that.

My daughter Karen was born in 1958, the year my first Paddington book came out, so she grew up with him.

Paddington Bear was a refugee with a label - 'Please look after this bear. Thank you', and he had a little suitcase.

It's nice having a bear about the house.

I have a flat in Paris and go there a lot, but the Eurostar's much more civilised than flying.

Every small boy wanted to be a steam engine driver when they grew up in the old days, including me. There's something very special about them - the noise, the smell, the steam coming out everywhere.