In Pictures: Sooty turns 60

Six decades after Harry Corbett bought Sooty for 6p on Blackpool pier, the mischievous bear shows no sign of hanging up his magic wand. Not only did he record a message for Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday last week, but he's on the verge of a comeback after being snapped up - along with friends Sweep and Soo - for an estimated £1 million by entertainer Richard Cadell.

In honour of his 60th birthday - and his new lease of life - Digital Spy presents an in-pictures look at Sooty's showbiz career.