Two bears hugging inspired the creation of a children's book that sends a message about how humans treat wild animals.

Carol Butcher, 64, who has lived in Cobham for 29 years with her husband, was walking in Kensington Gardens when the statue gave her the idea of writing a story about why they are hugging.

Mrs Butcher, of Bramble Rise, Cobham, said: "I'm hoping the statue will become as famous as the Peter Pan statue."

The story, The Hugging Bears, released on Friday, October 31, involves two twin bears who become separated from each other after their mother is killed.

Eventually, fate brings them back together and, overjoyed to be reunited, they hug.