Bagpuss Musical Mouse - Lizzie

The duo is fronted by head honcho Charlie Mouse, who is kitted out in a blue gingham suit with a natty blue polka-dotted tie. He's ably supported by Lizzie Mouse, resplendent in a long dress with fuchsia pink bodice, full pink floral-print skirt with broiderie anglaise trim, pink floral-print sleeves and high yellow collar and bustle. They both measure approximately 17 cm (seven-an-a-half inches) high and are made of soft grey plush with grey felt paws, machine-embroidered eyes and have a knotted cord tail. Lizzie and Charlie are sponge clean only.

Fans of the series will recall the mouse belief system encapsulated in the phrase "Mice not sing--mice not work"--and these mice love to sing! Squeeze their tummies and you'll hear their famous "We will mend it" song as featured in the programme, in their authentic piping tones. Squeeze the tummies of Charlie and Lizzie simultaneously and hear them sing the song as a (slightly out of synch) murine duet in rodent stereo.

The pair contain batteries, which the manufacturer recommends as having an average life of six months, although unfortunately these are not replaceable. Please bear in mind that battery life will be considerably less if they are in constant use. --Alison Drury