On March 17th 1951, Dennis made his first appearance as a black and white, half page comic strip in The Beano, a weekly comic selling almost two million copies per issue. Billed as “The World’s Wildest Boy”, he was the first of a new breed of youthful hero which launched The Golden Age of British Comics.

In 1968 Dennis met Gnasher, a rare Abyssinian Wire Haired Tripe Hound with a unique talent for biting through anything. Fan mail for  Gnasher flooded in – readers demanding that Gnasher became Dennis’s regular partner in crime.  With this the UK’s favourite boy and dog team were born and, almost 60 years later, Dennis and Gnasher are still loved by  children, young and old.  While Dennis and Gnasher are truly Great British Icons, they possess an attitude and humour which connects with a wider, universal audience.

Design – His trademark black, spiky hair and red and black, hooped sweater give Dennis a striking image which ensures he stands out from the crowd… as if his antics aren’t enough! Gnasher  is certainly not without his charms; his indestructible teeth and unruly fur have ensured that he too has a truly unique visual style.

Attitude – Dennis is an unstoppable force – once he sees an opportunity for fun, there’s no holding him back! He does the sort of things every kid can relate to and secretly wish they could get up to. Throughout it all Dennis has a strong sense of what’s really right or wrong. He’s loyal, fun loving and adventurous and doesn’t have any time for bullies or killjoys. Dennis and Gnasher may be mischievous but they are never malicious.

Friendship – The bond between Dennis and Gnasher is one of unconditional friendship and loyalty. This is at the core of their relationship and is both relatable and important to the target age group who are beginning to form their own “best friends” relationships.

Adaptable and Timeless – Dennis behaves like any ten-year-old boy from any era, using a variety of toys and gadgetry – much of it customised and reinvented by Dennis himself to suit his own particular requirements.

Imaginative – Dennis adapts what is around him to fit his own purposes and isn’t concerned with material possessions or money. It’s all about fun, making the most of what you already have and always being highly resourceful.

Check out the Dennis and Gnasher website at www.dennisandgnasher.com

And watch the new tv show on CBBC from 7th September