MORE than £1,200 has been raised by nurseries and toddlers in St Helens for the UK’s oldest and largest children’s charity, Barnardos.

The funds were raised during last summer’s animal themed Big Toddle, where children from nurseries and playgroups dressed up as animals and took part in a half-mile walk to raise money for vulnerable children.

Nurseries and parents are now signing up to take part in this year’s Big Toddle, which runs from Monday, June 19 to Sunday June 25, and has the theme of colours.

Since 1997, the Big Toddle has raised £14.5 million and is marking its 20th anniversary this year by teaming up with Teletubbies, which is also celebrating its 20th birthday.

Lynn Perry, Director for Barnardo’s in the North West said: “A huge thank you to everyone who will be taking part in this year’s Big Toddle.

“The Big Toddle is a great opportunity for little ones to enjoy themselves and help raise vital funds at the same time.

“Last year, the event raised almost £600,000, which is helping to transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in this region.

“For this year’s event, Barnardo’s has teamed up with the Teletubbies, some of the most popular characters in children’s TV history.

“Both will be celebrating milestone 20th anniversaries, so it promises to be a fantastic party.”

The Big Toddle is the UK’s biggest fundraising event for children under the age of five, with hundreds of thousands of children taking part every year.

For more information on the event, visit bigtoddle.org.uk, follow @BigToddle on Twitter or visit the Facebook page, BigToddle.