Social media sensation Charlie the unicorn is sporting a natty new rug and socks to keep him warm on his adventures.
Swindon folk have taken the cuddly toy, rescued after being photographed abandoned and dejected next to a recycling bin, to their hearts.
Visits to Lydiard Park, Westlea Fire Station, St Andrews Church, ATB Skateshop and the County Ground for the third round FA Cup match against Manchester City posted onto a Facebook page for the mythical plush have resulted in 2,397 people following his exploits.
He’s been acknowledged by South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland who couldn’t resist getting in on the fun by saying “Who said unicorns aren’t real.”
Charlie’s multi-coloured woolly rug was bought by a follower with bingo winnings, socks were donated by a school child and he now has scarf to keep him cosy. He’s also doing his bit for Covid safety by wearing a face mask.
Read: Rescued unicorn toy becomes Swindon internet sensation
Since his rescue, featured in the Adver last week, he’s been to Gablecross police station, the Outlet Village, Tesco Extra and SN Dogs where he was given his own collar.
The charity said: “We got a message from Charlie - Swindon’s Unicorn to ask for a collar, Never crossed our mind to ask why the wild unicorn of Swindon would want a collar.
“We were too star struck to ask. But he came to meet us to pick up the collar before dashing off for a radio interview with BBC Radio Wiltshire at 12.15 today.
“In a time of doom and gloom, Swindon found a Unicorn to turn it`s frown upside down!”
Charlie became so high profile he was asked for an interview on BBC Radio Wiltshire’s lunch time show with Sue Kinnear on Thursday.
The presenter headed out into the car park to speak to him, and Swindon Community Notice Board’s Debra Collins and Graham Stobbs who rescued him from his recycling fate.
“When we picked him up he was in a bit of a state, but the public have got involved, they’ve cleaned him up a bit, they’ve accessorised him. They’re looking after him, he’s Swindon’s unicorn,” Graham said.
“It’s just for the public, the amount of messages we’ve had privately from people that are disabled, with young children,” Debra added.
“January is a miserable time of year for everybody naturally after Christmas and all the festivities.
“He is bringing such a smile to people’s faces to people that are bored or depressed and everyone’s buying into it. “It’s a great community spirit thing.”
To follow Charlie's adventures visit his Facebook page here
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