Blue Peter is the longest running Children's Television show in the world.
It first aired on 16th October 1958, when there were no programmes for children aged
between five and eight. The symbol was inspired by the flag on a ship used by the BBC for broadcasting.
The "Blue Peter" name and flag is used as a maritime signal, indicating that the vessel flying it is about to leave.
Producer Owen Reed chose the name to represent 'a voyage of adventure' on which the programme would set out.
Blue was a popular colour with children, and Peter was a common name of a typical child's friend.
Christopher Trace and Leila Williams were the first presenters, and to date there have been 42 presenters.
In the 1960s the now famous trio of Valerie Singleton, John Noakes and Peter Purves did a lot to cement
Blue Peter's popularity, with the inclusion of animals in the studio.
The famous elephant and John Noake's pet dogs Patch, Petra and Shep have gone down in TV history.
Blue Peter has remained current and engaged with children ever since. In 2023 King Charles III and Queen Camilla were each presented with a Blue Peter badge from the presenters Show less