Noddy began his adventures in 1949

Noddy - or "Oui-Oui" as he is known in France - beat Babar the Elephant and Asterix in the poll of parents of toddlers by marketing firm Logistix.

He came top of the poll with 23% of the vote, compared to Babar's 19%.

Chorion, owners of the Noddy copyright said: "We see Noddy as quintessentially British, but he is a favourite all over the world."

Noddy was created in 1949 by children's author Blyton, who also came up with The Famous Five.

The diminutive hero's first adventure was Noddy Goes to Toyland.

The stories were only translated into French 13 years later.

But the character is now regularly seen on French TV in cartoon adventures.