Blue Pet-er

BBC retrieves top dog snaps to mark 60yrs

PAT your legs and say “here, boy!” to some much-missed Blue Peter dogs.

BBC History dug out these wonderful unseen shots to mark the 60th birthday of the world’s longest running kids’ TV show.

In one, John Noakes (1965-78) holds his beloved border collie Shep as a puppy.

John, who died last year at 83, is known for his catchphrase, “Get down, Shep!”

Peter Purves (1967-78) accompanies mongrel Petra, the first Blue Peter pet. Simon Groom (1978-86) is with golden retriever Goldie and Janet Ellis (1983-87) holds pup Bonnie, also a golden retriever.

Matt Baker (1999-2006) has his sheepdog Meg, and Helen Skelton (2008-13) poses with collie Mabel and former stray Barney.

Many of the 33 presenters still alive will be on a CBBC live special tonight at 5pm.

Richard Bacon, sacked in 1998 over cocaine use, said: “I had to hand in my badge 20 years ago. Hoping to get it back.”

GOLDIE Simon Groom takes her for walk in late 70s BONNIEJanet Ellis holds golden retriever in 1986 PETRA Peter Purves in 1968 with the show’s first pet SHEPNoakes & beloved border collie in 1971 BARNEYHelen Skelton & former stray in 2009 MEGMatt Baker’s pet border collie in 2001 MABEL With Joel Defries, Helen and Ayo Akinwolere in 2010