IZZY wizzy let's get busy - and one of the nation's favourite bears has certainly been busy in the Basingstoke area this week.

Sooty was in town, visiting Old Basing and Kempshott infant schools. He was with his friend Richard Cadell, promoting their fun-packed show which is touring the country and coming to Basingstoke in the half-term holiday.

Beverley Bentley, an administrator from Old Basing Infant School, said the children could not wait to see Sooty - and their excitement heightened when he was a few minutes late.

When he arrived after the morning break, Sooty caused a stir by squirting water at a special Year R assembly, delighting everyone, especially twins Molly and Alisha Etherton-Baker, who were celebrating their fifth birthday.

Beverley said: "The children thought Sooty was wonderful. It was as much fun for the adults as it was for the children."

She added: "We wanted to know what cream Sooty uses to keep his youthfulness - he hasn't changed a bit."

Kempshott Infant School headteacher Susan Walters said the school sometimes uses puppets in class, and that Sooty's visit was a good, fun lesson for pupils.

She said: "It was a very valuable experience to see a professional entertainer use a puppet - it was lovely."

Family favourite Sooty and his companions Sweep and Sue have entered the record books for television's longest- running children's show, causing mayhem with their slapstick humour and magic for 50 years.

Youngsters and adults alike can enjoy The Izzy Wizzy Tour, when it arrives at The Anvil on October 31.