Smurfs celebrate 50

This year the Belgian strip cartoon figures, the Smurfs, are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Monies raised by new specially developed figurines will go to the UN’s child welfare agency, UNICEF.

The Smurfs were created by Peyo and first saw the light in 1958.

The small blue creatures have their own language familiar to children and cartoon enthusiasts the world over.

Smurf albums have been published in dozens of languages even after their original creator died in 1992.

On the occasion of their 50th anniversary a new Smurf film is being released.

From May onwards the Brussels Strip Cartoon Museum is also showing a special exhibition.