Paddington Bear artist creates animation about life in South Tyneside

Sheila Graber with the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside Coun Alan and Moira Smith and Regional Manager of Co-Operative Funeral Care Dawn Noble-Battersby

Sheila Graber, who created characters Mr and Mrs Brown from the Paddington Bear children’s TV series, has used her creative talents to pull together the 50-minute film entitled ‘My Tyneside and a Cat’.

The animated movie covers all things Geordie from Scott Dobson himself in short “Larn Yersel Geordie” to Mike Neville narrating “The Pigeon Cree.”

Ms Graber’s signature animated cats will also make an appearance throughout the feature.

The film show will take place on Friday within the Community Room of Co-Operative Funeral Care in Westoe Road, South Shields.

Ms Graber who started her journey into the world of animation while a teacher at King George Comprehensive School, said: “The film is a celebration of ten different shorts.

“It all came about as I know the Mayor, from when I was a media advisor and we worked together on the cartoon creation “The South Tyneside Health Cat” which helped publicise health matters in the borough.

“I moved back to South Tyneside two years ago, after living in Ireland for 10-years, we were both talking about how many years ago I was invited to give charity shows for several Mayors and he just asked if I’d like to do it again.

“Although, this time I won’t have to carry my 16mm film projector and folding screen up the stairs of the town hall, instead all I need for this show is a lightweight projector and USB flash drive.”

This year the Mayor’s charity is supporting Diabetes UK South Tyneside, Young Carers in South Tyneside and Citizens Advice Bureau South Tyneside. The charities were chosen by Mayor Coun Alan Smith.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Alan Smith, said: “The Mayoress and I are delighted to be working with Sheila to offer residents and visitors to the borough the chance to view her intriguing animated film show about Tyneside.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy My Tyneside and a Cat while enjoying a cup of tea and cake with great company to help raise funds for worthy causes who carry out vital work here in South Tyneside.”

The Mayor’s Charity Film Show starts at 2pm.

Tickets are priced at £5, including afternoon tea, from Jarrow Town Hall or by calling 424 7331 or by calling into the Co-Op funeral care.