Jo & Petunia

My local radio was discussing it this morning ( they really struggle for any sort of a story at this time ). Still you learn something new every day , i discovered that ' Petunias ' voice was done by Wendy Craig who is currently in The Royal. on ITV.

My local radio was discussing it this morning ( they really struggle for any sort of a story at this time ). Still you learn something new every day , i discovered that ' Petunias ' voice was done by Wendy Craig who is currently in The Royal. on ITV.

The famous Wendy Craig-voiced public information film from the 1960s about coastal emergencies is to return to TV after a 21st century digital makeover that will see her character sport an iPod.
The film, recently voted third most popular public information film ever in a BBC poll, features cartoon characters Joe, a serious no-nonsense northener and nosy social climber Petunia.

Their mishaps illustrated a number of issues in the late 60s and early 70s, such as the dangers of worn tyres, the Countryside Code, the need to save water and what to do if you see a boat in distress.

The updated version, to be used by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, sees Joe's character call 999 from a mobile phone when a man at sea needs help.

"The original film was extremely effective in raising awareness that HM Coastguard is a 999 emergency service," said John Astbury, MCA's chief executive. "This message is equally important today."