Happy Days: The Fonz gets a Blue Peter badge

Henry Winkler has won the CBBC show's highest award

Henry Winkler has received a Blue Peter badge (PA)

Actor Henry Winkler, known to millions for his years playing The Fonz in 1970s TV hit Happy Days, has been presented with a gold Blue Peter badge.

The 68-year-old star follows in the footsteps of figures such as JK Rowling, David Beckham and the Queen by being given the CBBC show's ultimate accolade.

In recent months he has seen his Hank Zipzer books - about a boy who copes with dyslexia, a condition which he also has - dramatised by the BBC.

Winkler was given his award by presenter Lindsey Russell, who said: "We think that you are worthy of one of these because you've done such a fantastic job. You inspire so many people."

A film showing him receive his award will be screened in the New Year as part of the campaign around the Blue Peter book awards.

The show's editor Ewan Vinnicombe said Winkler was handed the honour for "his work highlighting dyslexia".

PA