Middleton Grange's new mascot is set to be named

On Sunday the mascot will be attending Middleton Grange Shopping Centre’s new kids’ club – Little Grangers – and will officially receive its new name following an online competition run this week.

Mark Rycraft, centre manager at Middleton Grange, said the competition for shoppers to pick their favourite had been a success.

He said: “We got some fantastic suggestions for names after our online appeal, and we have whittled it down to three great potential names – Buddy, Perry and Pip.”

Throughout the last few days shoppers have been taking to Twitter to pick their favourite of the three finalist names and all will be revealed soon.

Mark said: “The person who suggested the people’s favourite will win a £25 voucher to spend at the centre - along with a personalised photograph with the mascot.”

The naming of the new mascot coincides with this month’s Little Grangers club, which runs from 11am to 3pm this Sunday, 19 March, and is completely free for kids to enjoy.

Zappy Zoo fun will feature zany character, Zara Zookeeper, who will lead creative play to round–up the animals who have escaped from the Middleton Grange Zoo.

Joining the kids and Zara Zookeeper will be the lovely friendly centre mascot who, up until now, has been nameless, but he won’t be for long.

Mark, said: “Little Grangers will take place from 11am to 3pm on Sunday and is free for all our shoppers. Kids get a sticker every time they come and there is even a loyalty card so that on their fifth visit they get a gift.

“It was hugely successful last month, but as we’re announcing the new mascot’s name on Sunday we’re expecting this weekend’s event to be even more popular.”

For more about the Little Grangers visit www.middleton-grange.co.uk