Security was tight when children’s TV character Peppa Pig dropped in to Harrow Town Centre to meet her starstruck fans.

Parents had to physically restrain children who were desperate to catch a glimpse of the pink pig opposite Debenhams in St Ann’s Road on Saturday.

The atmosphere was electric as families queued along Gayton Road for up to two hours to meet the cartoon star.

Penned in behind some hay bales in a marquee, starstruck toddlers could not contain their joy as the foam suited star shook their hands.

Her bodyguards allowed her to meet children in the queue for a maximum of two minutes out of fear hundreds would come charging towards her.

Six-year-old Kaci Jones said: “I feel like I am meeting a celebrity today. It’s really cool.

“Peppa Pig is my favourite TV show. It is funny because it always makes me laugh."

Catherine Gallagher and her brother, Aiden, three, were also eager to meet the lovable pig.

Aiden said: “Peppa is cool because she does something different every day, so it’s not boring to watch.”

The event formed part of Harrow town centre’s Christmas party and Bob the Builder also dropped into the St Ann’s Centre.

Stalls selling quirky Christmas gifts and festive food added a bit of Christmas magic to the high street.

A group of Santa Claus also showed off their dance moves as shoppers clapped and cheered to the tune.

Singers including Harrow band Mitsotu performed on a stage outside the Royal Oak Pub and entertainment was provided by Harrow Community Radio.

Lisa O’Reilly, 36, said: “My children loved the break dancing Santa Clauses - it was very well done. You don’t expect to see that along the high street.”