Winnie the Pooh creator is commemorated in Kilburn

World renowned author and creator of Winnie the Pooh, Alan Alexander Milne became the first person to be commemorated with a green Kilburn plaque.

In a fitting tribute to the man who inspired generations of children to read, two school boys unveiled the memorial plaque, on Remsted House in Kilburn Priory, the former site of Mr Milne’s school.

Michael Brown, chairman of the Pooh Properties Trust and Clare Milne Trust, which supports disability projects in Devon, said: “He was a fantastic literary figure and hugely popular as an author and playwright.

“He had a unique ability to write about children, and for children.

“He sought immortality in his writing and he found it with his fantastic children’s books. For that he will forever be remembered.”

Ed Fordham who organised the scheme, said: “Alan Milne was a phenomenal playwright and author.

“This is a historic Kilburn plaque scheme. We want to remind people of what an amazing place Kilburn is.”

Mr Milne’s granddaughter Claire Milne joined residents and community representatives to toast the unveiling, which marked the inauguration of the Kilburn plaque scheme, a project to commemorate important figures who have lived and worked in the area.

Modelled on the English heritage blue memorial tablets, the Kilburn plaques are intended to promote greater popular appreciation of Kilburn’s rich history.

Mr Fordham said A.A Milne’s worldwide renown as a children’s author made him the popular choice to launch the scheme.

Alan Milne’s father John ran a small school - Henley House - in Kilburn Priory, where Remsted House now stands.

It was as a student here that Mr Milne began his love affair with reading and writing and he forged a close friendship with his science

master, the renowned science fiction author H G Wells.

During his long career he became a popular literary figure, penning plays which appeared on the West End and Broadway stages, and writing for the satirical magazine Punch.

But it was as the author of the Winnie the Pooh books, which captured the imaginations of generations of children, for which Mr Milne is best known.

Harry Softley-Graham, 9, and his younger brothers Louis, 6, who live in Remsted and unveiled the plaque, both agree Tigger is their favourite character in the Pooh series.

Harry said: “It was great fun. I am a big fan of Winnie the Pooh.”

George Orwell and Dusty Springfield are among 19 famous figures organisers hope to immortalise with a Kilburn plaque.