Dilwyn the Welsh Dragon to star on CBeebies Bedtime Stories
The Royal Mint’s ‘Dilwyn the Welsh Dragon’ children’s story, written by Welsh author Sam Langley-Swain, is set to appear on CBeebies Bedtime Stories this evening read by Welsh Actor Tom Ellis.
Popular for his lead role in the American television series ‘Lucifer’ and BBC’s ‘Miranda’, Cardiff-born Tom Ellis will read the children’s book on CBeebies at 18.50 – meaning the nation can enjoy two Welsh stars when tuning in for the popular bedtime slot.
Dilwyn the Welsh Dragon is an original story about a famous dragon who is looked after by The Royal Mint when he hatches in a pile of gold coins. The original makers of UK coin take Dilwyn under their wing until he is old and brave enough to guard the gold from the two bumbling burglars in the story.
Author Sam Langley-Swain said: “Dilwyn is a lovable Welsh Dragon brought to life by Jess Rose’s adorable illustrations. I was ecstatic when I heard that our book was going to appear on the popular CBeebies Bedtime Stories and, as a proud Welshman, to hear that Dilwyn will be read by Welsh actor Tom Ellis is the icing on the cake.”
Dilwyn the Welsh Dragon was created as part of a wider children’s book series, positioning The Royal Mint as the proud and official supplier of the Tooth Fairy, who puts coins under the pillows of children across the world each night. The collaboration with Owlet Press includes a series of children’s picture books, as well as board books, aimed at children aged 2-6 years old. These bedtime tales, with colourful and charismatic illustrations, are a perfect part of the bedtime routine for parents and children.
Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director at The Royal Mint said: “The tradition of the tooth fairy has been passed down through generations and as the official supplier of UK coins we are thrilled to be playing our part in creating childhood memories that will be treasured for years to come. ‘Dilwyn the Welsh Dragon’ is one of a series of wonderful fairy-tales celebrating our unique relationship with the tooth fairy. It is a fantastic bedtime read and we are so excited that Welsh Actor Tom Ellis will be sharing our story on CBeebies before children go to bed tonight.”
Fans of the children’s tale can purchase Dilwyn the Welsh Dragon in person from Saturday 29 May, when the official home of the tooth fairy, The Royal Mint Experience, opens its doors again in Llantrisant.
A series of the children’s books, and the upcoming ‘Where are you little tooth fairy?’ (available from 12 June), can be found on The Royal Mint website, where there is also a range of free, fun and interactive resources to celebrate the tradition of the tooth fairy. Visit www.royalmint.com/toothfairy
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About The Royal Mint
The Royal Mint has an unbroken history of minting British coinage dating back over 1,100 years. Based in the Tower of London for over 500 years, by 1812 The Royal Mint had moved out of the Tower to premises on London’s Tower Hill. In 1967 the building of a new Royal Mint began on its current site in South Wales, UK, to accommodate the minting of UK decimal coinage.
Today, The Royal Mint is the world’s largest export mint, supplying coins to the UK and overseas countries. The Royal Mint has also diversified into a number of other complementary businesses, building on the values that have been at the heart of the organisation throughout its history - authenticity, security, precious metals, craftsmanship and design:
Precious Metals
Throughout history, The Royal Mint’s name has been synonymous with precious metals and bullion. The organisation trades physical and digital precious metal worldwide and has a global network of distributor partners.
Consumer coin division
The organisation runs a thriving commemorative coin business, gifting, and a collector services division retailing historic coins, an authentication and valuation service and secure storage.
The Royal Mint Experience
The Royal Mint entered the tourism business in 2016 when it opened its popular visitor centre, The Royal Mint Experience, at its home in Llantrisant, South Wales. The attraction welcomes around 100,000 visitors a year.