Jurassic lark for PhiloSaurusRex - the Corby dino keeping children entertained during lockdown

A mystery Corby man who has been helping a dinosaur bring smiles onto children's faces has said how much it has helped him, and them, keep cheerful in life under lockdown.

The dino-suit wearing grandad spent 25 years in the army and working with the 8ft tall orange prehistoric creature 'PhiloSaurusRex' has been helping him maintain good mental health during the coronavirus epidemic.

PhiloSaurusRex, who wishes to remain anonymous for now, has been making roar-some special guest appearances to youngsters and older people in and around Corby.

He said: "We're doing it because there are poorly kids out there. We started just before lockdown when PhiloSaurusRex went round to see our next door neighbour's son. He had been not well and his immunity was down.

"He is mad about dinosaurs, so we went round to wave. He could see us through the window and he loved it. After that, PhiloSaurusRex visited my grandchildren."

Then lockdown began. As well as joining the weekly Clap for our Carers, through word of mouth, the dinosaur has been asked to wave to dino-mad chilldren - socially-distanced - to cheer them up and for special birthday surprises.

Armed with donations of sweets and books from Morrisons in Corby, PhiloSaurusRex has been handing out goodies to lucky lockdown youngsters.

Now with up to five visits a day, PhiloSaurusRex's 'handlers' hope that they will be able to cover their travel costs as well as raise money for a local children's charity.

He said: "We didn't start this to make money, we did it to put the smiles back on to children's faces. PhiloSaurusRex would like to visit disabled, elderly and generally anyone needing a bit of cheering up. It does not have to be a birthday.

"With all this travelling, we would like to cover our costs and support a charity for disabled children.

"We have started a PhiloSaurusRex Facebook page where people can contact us. It's getting bigger and bigger and we are hoping that we might get more dinosaurs soon."

He added: "It's taken off massively and working with PhiloSaurusRex has been really good for my mental health during lockdown and cheered us all up.

"I would like to thank Morrisons in Corby for helping us.They have been really good."

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