Hundreds of toddlers are expected to dress up and take part in a colourful procession around Dudley Zoo this summer.
The annual Barnardo’s Big Toddle is the charity’s largest sponsored walk in the UK and is due to take place on Tuesday June 11.
This year’s theme is ‘animals’, with under-5s encouraged to wear their favourite costumes and paint their faces.
The event raises money to support the charity’s work with some of the country’s most vulnerable children and young people.
Barnardo’s regional director Emma Bowman said: “We’re delighted that Dudley Zoo has kindly agreed to host this year’s Big Toddle again.
“It’s the UK’s biggest and best fundraising event for under-5s and is all about children helping children by taking part in short sponsored walks.
“Nurseries, playgroups, childminders and parents are welcome to organise their own events, especially during Big Toddle Week from June 24-30, but the one at Dudley Zoo is the biggest in the country.
“It’s a fantastic venue and we’re looking forward to seeing hundreds of happy faces, raising thousands of pounds to continue our life-changing work.”
Admission is free to under-5s, with discounted prices of just £7.50 for adults and older children.
Gates open at 10am, with children welcomed by entertainers before a fun warm-up at 10.45am and the start of the walk around the grounds at 11am.
Medals and free refreshments will be available for registered children as they cross the finishing line.
Dudley Zoo manager Matt Lewis said: “We’re delighted once again to team up with Barnardo’s and support the incredible work they do in giving children the best start in life.
“The Big Toddle is always hugely popular. So make sure you sign up soon and have a really wild time helping to raise funds for a very worthy cause.”
Registrants will receive a free fundraising pack with a fundraising guide, sponsorship forms, colouring sheet, safari map and animal mask activity.
Parents, carers, playgroups and nurseries can also hold their own Barnardo’s Big Toddles.
Last year, across the UK, they helped to raise more than £230,000 for the charity.
