TODDLERS in Sale and Altrincham have raised more than £800 for Barnardo’s

Nurseries in the area raised £811 for Barnardo’s, the UK’s oldest and largest children’s charity, during last summer’s animal themed Big Toddle.

Children from nurseries and playgroups dressed up as animals such as tigers and giraffes and took part in a half mile walk to raise money for vulnerable children.

A further £16,325 was also raised by toddlers and their families across other areas in Greater Manchester.

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

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

The antics of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po have featured in more than 400 episodes of the popular TV programme and entertained children in more than 120 countries.

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. Hundreds of thousands of children take part every year, covering enough miles to toddle around the world two and a half times.

To find out more and to register for Barnardo’s Big Toddle please visit www.bigtoddle.org.uk , follow us on Twitter @BigToddle or on Facebook/BigToddle.