The character's popularity was boosted by the release of a catchy pop song, Hey Mistar Urdd, by Edward H Dafis. The song was re-recorded four years ago by girl-band Cic. Mr Jones said: "Mistar Urdd helped to improve the move-ment's image, showing it was modern and fun. It helped boost the Urdd's popularity in the South Wales valleys." The Urdd invested in equipment to print T-shirts and, before long, the cellar in the Urdd's offices in Aberystwyth became a factory printing Mistar Urdd's picture on all sorts of goods including stickers, badges, posters, mugs and clothes of all kinds. "One of the most popular items was the gonk, and this revived the traditional Welsh nightshirt with the character printed on it - thousands were produced. It was a very exciting time for the Urdd," Mr Jones said. One of the more controversial items produced were Mistar Urdd underpants. "Eisteddfod officials at the Llangollen International in 1978 closed the stall as they deemed these items as unsuitable for sale on the site. A few years ago the Super Furry Animals recorded a song called Trons Mistar Urdd." Mistar Urdd has also travelled in space as a companion of the Welsh-Canadian astronaut Dafydd Rhys Williams. He took a Mistar Urdd gonk with him to the International Space Station in 1998. As part of the birthday celebrations Mistar Urdd has been given a new suit and will continue to visit schools and amuse children in all parts of the country. | 
