In pictures: Gruffalo's Child coins released to mark anniversary

A special design of the 50p coin has been released by the Royal Mint to celebrate twenty years since the Gruffalo's Child was published

The Gruffalo's Child is appearing on special 50p coins to mark the 20th anniversary of the popular picture book.

The design shows the Gruffalo's Child and Mouse in the wood.

The Gruffalo's Child is a sequel to The Gruffalo which has also had its illustrations featured on special coins.

Both were written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Julia Donaldson said: "It's wonderful to see the Gruffalo's Child follow in her father's footsteps by featuring on her very own 50p coin.

"I'm so happy that she is being celebrated in this way and I hope that fans of the book will treasure this coin as a long-lasting memento of the 20th anniversary year."

Axel Scheffler said: "I feel very honoured to have yet another coin celebrating the Gruffalo, and now even his offspring."

Julia Donaldon's best-selling book The Gruffalo was written in 1999 and was the UK's best-selling picture book of 2000.

The Gruffalo's Child and Mouse appear together in the wintry deep dark wood in the Royal Mint design which comes in colour and various precious metal finishes.

The coin won't enter general circulation so you are unlikely to get it in your change but it will be available to buy on the Royal Mint's website.

The coins, which were produced at the Royal Mint's headquarters in south Wales use original artwork drawn by the book's illustrator Axel Scheffler.