PARENTS and children alike were thrilled when Barbie spent the day at the new Asda Wal-Mart in Haydon Wick.

The famous blonde, whose plastic, full bodied silhouette burst onto the toy scene over 40 years ago, chatted to shoppers, handed out goodies and posed for photographs.

The store had been running a colouring competition throughout the week and Barbie was in store to announce the winner of the Nutcracker horse and sleigh prize.

Events co-ordinator, Helen Winfield, said: "There was a long queue all day. The children were crowding around her and quite a lot of fathers too.

"The children have been colouring in pictures which Barbie has judged. She looks very pretty in her pink ball gown."

Barbie's appearance at the superstore follows Bruce Forsyth's visit, when the entertainer was in town signing copies of his autobiography.