Generations of children have grown up with Ratty, Mole, Rupert the Bear and Paddington. Now an Ely gallery has produced a series of vibrant, framed prints of some of these kids favourites in celebration of some of the best in British children s illustrat

Generations of children have grown up with Ratty, Mole, Rupert the Bear and Paddington.

Now an Ely gallery has produced a series of vibrant, framed prints of some of these kids' favourites in celebration of some of the best in British children's illustration.

Lollipop Animation in High Street Passage, Ely, has put together the collection in collaboration with some of the country's best-loved illustrators, including Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond and John Harrold, who has drawn Rupert the Bear for more than 30 years.

Lollipop's managing director Will Marston said: "It's about time we championed some of the great British illustrators and animators and this collection we have gathered certainly does that.

"We have some absolute classics in Rupert, EH Shepard's Wind in the Willows and Paddington as well as some retro greats like Trumpton, Bod and Trap Door."

He said the most prized items include signed prints by Michael Bond and limited edition signed prints of Harrold's Rupert the Bear illustrations.

Mr Harrold, who is working on his 30th Rupert annual, said: "The quality of the prints is second to none, as is the attention to detail - my artwork has never looked so good."

Christine Marston is pictured with one of the gallery's exclusive Rupert prints.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE