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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5094782.stm
Quote:
The BBC is reinstating the Blue Peter badge scheme with new security measures to tackle fraud.
Children who win a badge get free access to museums and stately homes, but the scheme was suspended in March when badges were found for sale online.
Under the new system, a unique photo card will also be needed to enter the attractions. Previous winners can apply for a card on the Blue Peter website.
The idea for the new scheme came from 11-year-old viewer Helen Jennings.
Jennings wrote in to the show with a prototype design for the security card, Blue Peter editor Richard Marson said.
"On Blue Peter many of the best ideas come directly from the audience and this was no exception," he said.
"As a result, she's won her silver badge and really helped all the genuine Blue Peter badge winners out there who've been so upset at the suspension."
Online auctions
A number of badges were removed from internet auction site eBay earlier this year following an intervention by the BBC.
They were being sold as a way of gaining free entry to almost 200 visitor attractions in the UK.
Soon after, the scheme was suspended.
Blue Peter badges, which carry the programme's famous ship motif, are handed out to notable guests and children who have won competitions and contributed to the show.
Brad Pitt, the Queen and Madonna have all been presented with badges.
The badge comes in five types. The gold version is reserved for exceptional achievements such as saving a life, while a green one is awarded for conservation work.
A new purple badge will be introduced in September and will be given to 12 children a month who win the chance to spend a day working with the Blue Peter team.
Children who win a badge get free access to museums and stately homes, but the scheme was suspended in March when badges were found for sale online.
Under the new system, a unique photo card will also be needed to enter the attractions. Previous winners can apply for a card on the Blue Peter website.
The idea for the new scheme came from 11-year-old viewer Helen Jennings.
Jennings wrote in to the show with a prototype design for the security card, Blue Peter editor Richard Marson said.
"On Blue Peter many of the best ideas come directly from the audience and this was no exception," he said.
"As a result, she's won her silver badge and really helped all the genuine Blue Peter badge winners out there who've been so upset at the suspension."
Online auctions
A number of badges were removed from internet auction site eBay earlier this year following an intervention by the BBC.
They were being sold as a way of gaining free entry to almost 200 visitor attractions in the UK.
Soon after, the scheme was suspended.
Blue Peter badges, which carry the programme's famous ship motif, are handed out to notable guests and children who have won competitions and contributed to the show.
Brad Pitt, the Queen and Madonna have all been presented with badges.
The badge comes in five types. The gold version is reserved for exceptional achievements such as saving a life, while a green one is awarded for conservation work.
A new purple badge will be introduced in September and will be given to 12 children a month who win the chance to spend a day working with the Blue Peter team.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5094782.stm