WELSH children’s character Sali Mali has been celebrating her 50th birthday with a trip to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

One of Wales’ most famous faces - Sali Mali turned 50 on Wednesday, 19 June, and fans enjoyed events to mark the big birthday.

And to mark the milestone, the National Library was lit up in Sali Mali’s trademark orange.

Sali Mali first appeared in 1969 in a book of the same name published by Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion, written by Mary Vaughan Jones and illustrated by Rowena Wyn Jones. Over the years her appearance has changed a little, her circle of friends has become wider and she’s appeared in tens of books and on television (Pentre Bach - where they film the show now - is in Blaenpennal, Aberystwyth) and in songs. But above all, she’s been a friend to hundreds of Welsh children.

This year of celebration sees Sali Mali as busy and active as ever.

She’ll be appearing in three new books and making special appearances across Wales in local and national events.

The first book to be published in April is Dathlu gyda Sali Mali by Ifana Savill, an old friend of Sali Mali’s. Readers will find out all about annual celebrations throughout the calendar year in this books of stories, recipes and activities, with something for each season.

In June, Straeon Nos Da Sali Mali will be published, a beautiful book of enchanting bedtime tales by some of Wales’ most well-known authors, including Tudur Owen, Mererid Hopwood and Bethan Gwanas. Sali Mali, Jac Do, Jac y Jwc and all their friends will be heading off on 12 new adventures.

Later in the year in September, Sali Mali’s jigsaw book will give young readers a chance to play with images as well as words.

All three books have been beautifully illustrated by Simon Bradbury, one of the first artists on the original animated Sali Mali series, bringing the character in the orange frock to life for another generation of youngsters.

As well as the books, there will be a range of downloadable activities and ideas on the Gomer website.

See this week’s south and north editions for the full story, in shops and online now