You join me with a heavy heart today. In an earlier entry I mentioned that a childhood icon had died recently but it is with an even sadder heart that I report the news of another passing.

As a child I used to look forward to his seasonal appearances on children's television, used to marvel at the love and care he brought out in others. He had a long and impressive TV career - twenty-two years in the spotlight no less and many a time 'get back in your box' was heard, which still brings a cheer to my heart.

Yet, it is with a heavy heart and a tear in my eye, that I regret to inform you of the passing of George, the Blue Peter tortoise :'( Please remember him fondly and take a quiet moment to yourself to think of his smile, that tough shell he lived beneath and the moment he awoke every spring.

(Has he a Nazi past that I should know about too Ryan?)