Matalan, which has a King's Lynn store, supports the NSPCC this Christmas with exclusive Pantosaurus plush toy

Matalan has created an exclusive soft toy ahead of Christmas to support a charity's campaign to keep children safe from sexual abuse.

The retailer has produced a toy in the shape of the mascot for NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign, Pantosaurus.

The friendly pants-wearing dinosaur has helped over a million parents talk to their child about keeping safe from sexual abuse and explaining, in age-appropriate language, how their privates are private.

Matalan is releasing an exclusive cuddly version of Pantosaurus, to help parents start that important conversation with their child. Half of the profits from the sale of the cuddly dinosaur will also go directly to the NSPCC.

Matalan is one of the NSPCC’s longest-running partners and has raised more than £10.7 million for the charity to date, from in-store fundraising activities, charity balls, and employee fundraising.

Since 2015, Matalan has sold NSPCC merchandise in their stores and the charity’s latest products – including shopping bags, badges and keyrings, colouring books, crayon sets and lunch bags with all of the proceeds from these areas going directly to the children’s charity.

Jeff Howarth, director of marketing for Matalan, said: “We love the new NSPCC Pantosaurus toy, and we’re sure our customers will too.

“We’re proud to have such a long-running and successful partnership with the NSPCC. We’re sure Pantosaurus will be a firm favourite this Christmas. Helping raise money to support children and young people across the UK is more important than ever.”

Tess O’Callaghan, NSPCC fundraising manager, said: “The plush Pantosaurus looks great, and proceeds from it and the sale of our bags, books and crayon sets will go towards helping young people who need it most, so we’re hugely grateful to everyone who picks up a treat while Christmas shopping this year.”

Founded in 1985, Matalan’s mission has always been to give families outstanding quality at outstanding prices.

As of September 2020, Matalan has 228 UK stores and 36 international franchise stores within Europe and the Middle East, supported with a rapidly growing online channel.

With increased lockdowns happening and the Christmas holidays approaching, the NSPCC expects demand on their services to increase, and want to make sure no child is left to cope alone.

The Pantosaurus soft toy costs £7 and is available to buy online and click and collect, and will also be making a debut appearance in Matalan’s Christmas TV advert.

Throughout the pandemic, the NSPCC has ensured it is still on the front line for children, supporting those who need Childline and other services.

To find out more, including how you can help the NSPCC and Childline, go to www.nspcc.org.uk