Happy Birthday Sooty!

2004_JAN_Bournemouth_083.JPG
Originally uploaded by Justin Brice.
Fans help Sooty celebrate his 60th


Matthew Corbett (right) and Richard Cordell celebrate Sooty's 60th birthday

For many people, a 60th birthday celebration is something to shout about, but when famous glove puppet Sooty reached his three score years milestone he remained forever silent.
However, he wasn't alone in his celebratyions, as children at Brean Leisure Park in Somerset drew pictures to give the yellow bear, while his friends gave him special presents to mark the occasion.
His puppeteer and owner, Richard Cadell, said Sooty's panda girlfriend Soo baked him a cake, while his friend Sweep gave him one of his favourite bones.

"It's been a great day," Cadell, who appears on CITV with Sooty, said. "Sooty has had a fantastic day meeting lots of fans, including children from the Sooty Club."
Sooty was also given a birthday card by his former master Matthew Corbett, the son of Harry Corbett, who discovered the glove puppet in a magician's store in Blackpool in 1948.
As part of his celebrations, Sooty returned to his roots on Thursday with a trip to the seaside resort's North Pier, where he was reunited with Bill Lamb, who sold the original puppet to Harry Corbett for the grand sum of seven shillings and six pence (37.5p).
The silent bear first found fame in 1952 featuring on BBC television. When Harry Corbett retired in 1976, Sooty was passed down to his son, Matthew.

Watch the video here!

Read the news here!