Paddington star Hugh Bonneville said the beloved children’s character would approve of a hospital’s new wing as he stopped by to open the department.

The acclaimed actor, who is also famous for his role in Downton Abbey, helped staff at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester to open the new children’s A&E ward by handing out Paddington teddy bears and books to young patients.

The new wing, now based in a larger part of the hospital, also includes artwork and drawings from Sussex-based artists as well as a range of toys to help put children at ease while they receive treatment.

Hugh said: “It’s wonderful to see this brand new space for the children’s emergency department, fully opened at St Richard’s Hospital.

“The space is a much-needed brighter environment for the hospital’s young patients, their families and the staff who are so committed to the welfare of the local community. My good friend Paddington would approve.”

The opening came on the same day that Hugh Bonneville received an honorary doctorate from the University of Chichester.

Hugh, who is understood to have lived near Midhurst for over 40 years, picked up the doctorate for his work in film and theatre over his career.

The latest instalment of the Paddington films, in which he stars alongside Ben Whishaw and Olivia Coleman, is due to be released in November.

Hugh is also a patron of Primary Shakespeare Co, the National Youth Arts Trust and the South Downs National Park Trust.

Opened last year, the new emergency department will treat 50 children every day and provide a calming space for young patients away from the main A&E area.

Nurses say the waiting area is now three times as large and there are extra cubicles for patients and staff.

The project was funded by My University Hospitals Sussex, the charity wing of the NHS Trust.

Alistair Irons, head of fundraising at the charity, said: "This is a massive ‘Thank You’ to everybody for working together to improve the lives of children from across the county.”