A CLASSIC children’s book character will appear at the South of England Show next month.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the popular children’s picture book The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson.

The book is loved by millions across the world and its illustrations, by Axel Scheffler, are well known among book lovers.

To celebrate the landmark anniversary, a special Gruffalo themed meet and greet has been planned to take place during the South of England Show which takes place from June 6-8.

The event will take place in the showground’s Weald Wood and will give families the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the classic characters from the children’s book; including the mouse, snakes and owls.

All of which make for a perfect family photo opportunity.

What’s more, The Gruffalo himself will be making personal appearances at intervals on Saturday, June 8 to meet his fans.

Children can also take part in the “Follow The Gruffalo” trail around just some of the wonderful experiences on offer at this year’s show and included in the entry price.

Ian Nicol, chief executive of the South of England Agricultural Society, said: “We are thrilled to be featuring The Gruffalo at the South of England Show this year.

“It’s wonderful that this iconic book is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and we felt it fitting that our family visitors could unleash their imaginations and immerse themselves in the setting of the story at our Weald Wood on the showground.

“I can’t wait to see our younger visitors’ faces on the Saturday when the Gruffalo himself is making an appearance - an opportunity not to be missed by parents and grandparents alike.”

The South of England Show sees thousands of families attending to indulge in the excitement and escapism that the countryside brings.

The event features a vast variety of activities ranging from traditional attractions such as the equestrian displays, to time-travelling wonders where children are transported back in time to experience life as a Norman or Saxon with live battle re-enactments.

The show hopes to encourage “families to break free from everyday stresses and the inescapable allure of technology and reconnect with nature”.

Children can admire birds of prey and discover the wonders of pond dipping, and explore the countryside around them.

For those who feel their interests lie in a more adult setting, the society has introduced a new Wine Walk for the 2019 show.

Tickets for the South of England Show are available at seas.org.uk and cost £18.70 for adults, £16.50 for seniors/students (inclusive of online discount which ends midnight June 5) and children under 16 go free with a paying adult.