The tale of Angus’s most famous fictional son has been crowned as Scotland’s favourite children’s story in a special charity poll.
Barnardo’s asked thousands of parents and carers to quiz their children about who should be the inspiration for this year’s fairytales and nursery rhymes Big Toddle event and the resounding answer returned was JM Barrie’s Peter Pan.
The Kirriemuir-born author and playwright became famous for his tale of castaway boys who spent their days playing with fairies and fighting pirates.
He also pledged the perpetual rights of the original play to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children.
Youngsters up to the age of five will now be given the chance to dress up as the boy who stayed young forever if they take part in Barnardo’s annual fundraising event later this year and go on a toddle with their parents or carers to raise money for children their own age.
More than 150 children across Angus and Dundee took part in the 2012 Big Toddle.
All the money raised at the event goes towards supporting vulnerable and under-privileged children less than five years old, including those with physical and learning difficulties.
Organisers have recruited a few famous faces for this year’s walk, including Holby City favourite and celebrity mum Tina Hobley, who is encouraging parents, child-minders, nurseries and primary schools across Scotland to embrace the event.
She said: “The Big Toddle is such a great way for children to understand from an early age that there are children in their community less well off than them and in need of help.
“I love the idea of mini charming princes, wicked witches and not-so-big bad wolves having fun and raising money for Barnardo’s work with under-fives.
“It’s all about children helping children and my little boy loved getting all dressed up and involved.
“I would encourage parents and carers across Scotland to have fun with fairytales and raise as much as they can for the UK’s vulnerable under-fives.”
Big Toddle manager Charlotte Cooper said: “We are now into our 17th annual toddle and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
“This year the Big Toddle takes us into the world of fantasy and make-believe, so children can have even more fun dressing up and bringing to life their favourite fairy stories.
“Every penny raised goes directly to our work with under-fives so everyone can enjoy themselves and help raise vital funds for those less fortunate children.”
Big Toddles can be arranged voluntarily through nurseries or play groups but parents and carers can also get involved in Barnardo’s-run walks across the UK.
Visit www.bigtoddle.co.uk or call 0800 0087005 for more information on how to get involved in Angus and Dundee.