MATALAN stores in Bangor and Rhyl are supporting the NSPCC this Christmas with pop-up stalls and a Pantosaurus plush toy

Pantosaurus is the popular dinosaur mascot of the children’s charity’s Talk PANTS campaign.

The company, one of the NSPCC’s longest-running partners, has created a soft toy of the mascot; The friendly pants-wearing dinosaur has helped more than a million parents talk to their child about keeping safe from sexual abuse, and explaining – in age-appropriate language and a catchy song (in both English and Welsh) - how their privates are private.

Half of the profits from the sale of the cuddly dinosaur will go direct to the charity.

Jeff Howard, 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.

"The latest pop-up areas in our stores in North Wales are a great addition to our shops, and 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.”

Jess Finnegan, NSPCC Cymru Community Fundraising Manager for North Wales, said: “We’re so pleased that our partners at Matalan have really embraced the idea of the new pop-up stalls, and we hope the customers do too.

“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 in store while Christmas shopping this year.”

Recently, more than a dozen Matalan stores have supported the NSPCC with special pop-ups on their shop floors, which stock NSPCC merchandise to raise money to support children and young people across the country – including in Bangor and Rhyl.

Pantosaurus costs £7 and is available to buy in Matalan stores across Wales and online.

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