A poll published in The Guardian reveals that Winnie-the-Pooh is the UK's favourite childhood book character, just pipping Harry Potter.
1,200 people who read at least once a week were quizzed.
George, Enid Blyton’s tomboy adventurer from the Famous Five, was third with The Hobbit’s Bilbo Baggins and Roald Dahl’s Matilda in fourth and fifth places.
The survey was commissioned by the Reading Agency, which has launched a Summer Reading Challenge for children in libraries across the country.
“We know the power of picking up a book you love and discovering a favourite character … the Summer Reading Challenge gives children the chance to be transported and inspired by the adventures of their favourite characters, and read books that can go on to play a fundamental role in their lives,” said chief executive Sue Wilkinson.