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Brook Whitehouse, aged 3, with a friendly lemur

A GROUP of tiny tots encountered some furry friends at Dudley Zoo as they launched this year's Barnardo's Big Toddle.

The toddlers from Rowley Regis Sure Start project had a hands on meet and greet with the zoo's resident lemurs as they appealed for all West Midlands tots under five years old to join in the fun on June 3, 4 and 12.

Now in its twelfth year, the Barnardo's Big Toddle, a sponsored half a mile walk, continues to be the biggest fundraising event for the under fives in the country .

The Dudley Zoo and Castle toddle is the biggest in the Midlands and over the years has grown from just one day to three days, with over 2,000 children taking part last year.

Pauline Clark, Barnardo's fundraiser, said: "The Big Toddle has just snowballed over the years and the Dudley event is one of the most popular.

"I think it's become so successful because children and nursery groups come along to do the sponsored walk but also enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere we organise for them."

All the money raised goes to Barnardo's Early Years projects including family centres, playgroups and counselling services for disadvantaged children.

For more details visit www.bigtoddle.co.uk or call Dudley Zoo on 01384 215313.

10:53am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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