New coin released to mark Zog anniversary

Zog is appearing on special 50p coins to mark the anniversary of the popular picture book.

It has been 15 years since since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's enthusiastic but accident-prone dragon was first published.

The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School.

The new coin is the latest addition to the Royal Mint's childhood characters collection - which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.

Julia Donaldson, the author behind Zog, said she was delighted with the news.

"When I wrote his story 15 years ago, I never imagined he would fly so far into people's imaginations.

"Seeing our determined dragon on a 50p piece would definitely earn him a golden star from Madam Dragon," she explained.

Illustrator Axel Scheffler added: "Drawing Zog with his big friendly face and clumsiness has always been such a joy.

"To see my illustrations transformed onto a coin is an incredible honour."

The Royal Mint - which produces and distributes coins in the UK - said they were "thrilled" to add Zog to an official 50p coin as part of the childhood characters series.

Previous character coins have included the Snowman, Paddington Bear, and Wallace and Gromit.