Blue Peter

Blue Peter is a popular, long-running BBC television programme for children. It is named after the flag hoisted by ships in port when they are ready to sail.

Can anyone supply an image of the flag?

The theme tune, in recognition of the origin of the title, is a sea shanty, and the programme's motif is a stylised sailing ship.

The programme, edited for many years by Biddy Baxter, was first shown in October 16, 1958, the original presenters being Christopher Trace and Leila Williams. The format consisted mainly of the two presenters demonstrating how to make toys and useful household objects, with the male presenter concentrating on traditional "boys'" toys such as model aeroplanes, and the female restricting herself to cookery, etc.

Over the years the programme changed to reflect the times. Originally it was a 15-minute weekly programme; currently it is 25 minutes and is shown three times a week. New presenters came and went, the best known being the 1960s team of Valerie Singleton, John Noakes and Peter Purves. Enduring features of the programme include the annual charity appeal, which involves young viewers by asking them to collect items that can be recycled or sold to raise money for the chosen cause. The team of presenters keeps various pets, the first of which was a dog named Petra.

Children (and occasionally adults) who appear on the show or achieve something notable may be awarded the coveted Blue Peter badge.

Of the total of 28 presenters who have fronted the programme during its lifetime (including Janet Ellis, Peter Duncan, John Leslie and Anthea Turner), one or two have failed to live up to the "squeaky-clean" image required of them. The most famous scandal involving a presenter occurred in 1998, when Richard Bacon was forced to resign after publicly confessing to having taken cocaine.