Family creates Paddington Bear using stones and shells in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

By Charlotte Penketh-King via SWNS

A family created a stunning Paddington Bear out of stones and shells on a local beach in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

Ieva Slare and her husband Dzintars Slars spent hours making the art on Sandymere beach at Westward Ho!, England on Sunday, September 11.

Helped by their two children, the couple created artwork of a tearful Paddington Bear waving his hat in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

"We decided to create Paddington Bear as a tribute to Her Majesty," said Ieva, 50, who lives in Bideford, with truck driver Dzintars, 53, and their two children.

"We felt it was our duty to make something special for the Queen who was a very special and inspirational person.

"Paddington Bear is a very symbolic character who is also very special for us as foreign family.

''He is a symbol of kindness to refugees and he is the Queen’s friend so we feel very welcomed.

"We made Paddington in about four hours until it was washed away by waves.

"We definitely needed one more hour to complete it, but sadly the tide was very high on Sunday.

"We are happy with the result, but it could be better. After finishing our work, we always have some discussion about results, so same on this time."

The family, who moved to Bideford from Latvia 10 years ago, started making beach art during the first Coronavirus lockdown and now do it once or twice a week.