Smiles more fun with the Dr Kershaw’s meerkats

ALEX: IT'S lovely here in San Francisco

Alex goes on tour — simples!

The Chronicle lift World Cup misery by putting a smile back on readers’ faces.

We’ve linked up with Dr Kershaw’s Hospice to have a Summer of Fun with the Royton hospice’s latest fundraising mascot, Alex the meerkat.

The popular cuddly toy has been flying off the shelves as quick as they can stock them and now we want Chronicle readers to make him an even bigger star — a globe-trotting celebrity.

We want readers to take their Alex on trips with them: take him on holiday, take him to the places to be seen and send us your photographs — even get him snapped with celebrities.

We sent our own Chronicle Alex out to give you some examples — and here he is in San Francisco, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

Let’s have smiles more fun with Alex and the Chronicle this summer!

There are still a few meerkats waiting at Dr Kershaw’s for a new home and a summer holiday. .

They cost £7.99 each from the hospice appeals office on 0161-624 9984, or from any of Dr Kershaw’s charity shops in Market Street, Shaw, Royton precinct, and High Street, Lees.