Geordie Racer facts for kids

Geordie Racer is an exciting educational TV show from the BBC. It was part of the famous Look and Read series. The show first aired on BBC Two in 1988, running from January 12 to March 22.

The story takes place in Newcastle upon Tyne and the areas around it. It features characters who love pigeon racing and running. The exciting Great North Run race is also a big part of the story.

The main character is a boy named Spuggy Hilton. His nickname, "Spuggy," comes from the Geordie word for sparrow. Unlike his family, Spuggy isn't a runner. Instead, he loves pigeons and owns 'Blue Flash,' one of the best racing pigeons in Newcastle.

Spuggy and his friend Janie notice some strange things happening. They connect local art robberies with secret messages found on some of the pigeons. Their detective work leads them into trouble when they try to spy on the criminals.

Geordie Racer was special because it brought a more realistic feel to educational shows. It made learning exciting for kids in primary schools. The series also starred Geordie actor Kevin Whately, who played Spuggy's dad. Kevin Whately later became famous for Inspector Morse. His real-life wife, Madelaine Newton, also appeared in the show as his on-screen wife.

Meet the Characters

Here are some of the main characters and the actors who played them:

• Leon Armstrong as Spuggy Hilton
• Lien Lu as Janie Chung
• Lesley Casey as Cath Hilton
• Brian Hogg as Victor
• Madelaine Newton as Bev Hilton
• Fred Pearson as Baz Bailey
• Peter Rowell as Mickey Stone
• Kevin Whately as Ray Hilton
• Bungo as Plod (a dog character)
• Charles Collingwood as Wordy (a puppet character)
• Katie Hebb as Wordy puppeteer
• Rachel Mackay as Bug-Bopper (a puppet character)
• Mary Edwards as Bug-Bopper puppeteer

Episode Guide

The series had 10 episodes, each telling a part of Spuggy and Janie's adventure:

• 1. Runners and Fliers
• 2. Down in the Cellars
• 3. Pigeon Post
• 4. This Is Radio Newcastle
• 5. Race Day
• 6. Light of St Mary
• 7. Lost Bird
• 8. Have You Gone Daft, Man?
• 9. If Only We Knew When...
• 10. Run!

The Theme Song

The catchy theme song for Geordie Racer was sung by Derek Griffiths. Here are the lyrics:

Flying free, flying high,
Flashing wings across the sky,
Geordie racer, Geordie racer.

On the road, in the street,
Hear the sound of pounding feet,
Geordie racer, Geordie racer.

Don't wait, don't stop,
You're heading home.
Don't rest, don't drop,
You're heading home.

In the air, on the ground,
See them moving all around.
Running hard, flying fast,
See them all go rushing past,
Geordie racer – fly!