Queen to host 'Blue Peter' 50th party

The Queen has invited Blue Peter presenters past and present to a party to celebrate the programme's 50th anniversary.

They will join four young viewers and staff from the long-running children's series at Buckingham Palace for the tea party next month.

Editor Tim Levell told the BBC: "Blue Peter has been at the heart of children's lives for 50 years, and we are absolutely delighted that the Queen is recognising this by extending the kind invitation to us.

"Our four lucky Blue Peter viewers will have the most special day of their lives - and we hope the experience will be enjoyed by all the children watching at home."

The programme began in 1958 as a seven-week experiment, but went on to become a British institution.

Former editor Biddy Baxter said: "The Queen was awarded a gold Blue Peter badge on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, so what could be more fitting than Her Majesty marking Blue Peter's 50th birthday by presenting gold Blue Peter badges to four outstanding children?"

Earlier this month, BBC bosses denied claims that they were purposely trying to sabotage the show.