A POPULAR children's book character will be 50 this month, and children are invited to a range of craft sessions to celebrate.

Hartlepool libraries have organised a host of special events for the under-fives to mark the birthday of Miffy the rabbit, Dick Bruna's popular book character.

The dates and times are as follows.

There is no admission fee and no need to book:

Monday, 9.45am, at Central Library, in York Road;

Monday, June 20, 10.30am, at Throston Grange Library, in Glamorgan Grove also, from 1.45pm, at Owton Manor Library, Wynyard Road;

Tuesday, June 21, at 2pm, at Seaton Carew Library, in Station Lane;

Wednesday, June 22, at 10.30am, at Foggy Furze Library in Stockton Road;

Friday, June 24, 2pm, at The Headland Library.

Gillian Slimings, Hartlepool Borough Council's young persons' librarian, said: "Miffy the rabbit has become one of the best-loved book characters among the very young and it's remarkable to think that she will be 50 years old on June 21.

"We hope lots of youngsters will come along to the sessions and help celebrate."