Any parent of young children will know the enduring appeal of Elmer the Elephant so it may not come as a surprise to learn that there is an official Elmer Day (May 26)

The day before, on Friday May 25, Ivybridge Childminders met at the library with some of their young charges for a celebration of everything to do with Elmer.

Seventeen children under four and seven of their childminders heard an Elmer story read by librarian Sue and then learned some sign language.

Then the children set about finding pictures relating to the story they’d just listened to that were hidden around the library.

Finally each child could choose if they wanted to do colouring or make some elephant ears. 

A spokesman for the childminders said: “The children had lots of fun with this mornings session and will be taking part in other Elmer-related activities through the summer.”