MR CLUMSY staggered awkwardly through Southampton precinct in 1979.

The Mr Men character, alias Barbara Weafer of Southampton, stopped to chat to amused onlookers and to give them badges.

He also spent some time in Sperrings Store, Above Bar, where he signed copies of the Mr Men books, written by Roger Hargreaves.

He was clearly an imposing character and seven-year-old Anne Gregory, of St Denys, said she was a bit worried of approaching him as she thought he might knock her over.

Others were not so apprehensive, and they did not hesitate in saying “hello” to the clumsiest Mr Man of them all.

These pictures show children and adults amused by the rare occurrence.