Children in nurseries across Lewisham, Bromley and Greenwich raised £6,329 for Barnardo’s during last summer’s Big Toddle, and the children’s charity is hoping to repeat that success with this year’s colourful campaign.

Toddlers from 21 nurseries, playgroups and preschools in the three boroughs dressed up as animals and took part in a half-mile walk to help the charity support vulnerable children, young people and families throughout the UK. The total raised included £3,195 in Bromley, £2,766 in Lewisham and £368 in Greenwich.

Now Barnardo’s is encouraging people in south east London to sign up for this year’s Big Toddle, which runs from June 19-25 and has the theme of ‘colours’. The Big Toddle is also teaming up with the Teletubbies as both are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

Since 1997, the Big Toddle has raised £14.5 million for Barnardo’s. 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.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Javed Khan, said: “A huge thank you to everyone in Lewisham, Bromley and Greenwich who will be taking part in this year’s Big Toddle. Last year the event raised more than £62,000 in London, helping to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

“I am excited Barnardo’s has teamed up with the Teletubbies, some of the most popular characters in TV history, for this year’s event. Both will be celebrating their 20th anniversary so it promises to be a fantastic party.”

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

Submitted by Dan Hodges