Now they are about to make a splash in a cartoon strip in The Herald.  Kevin said: "They are a bit like the Wombles. They will appeal to kids and adults who are still children."

Posh Edna, Colonel Pip, Ethel and the rest of the Rockhoppas might be a little familiar to anybody who knows the Kelway clan. "Many of the characters are from my old family in the Barbican who have sadly passed away," he said.

"Edna is based on my Auntie Edna who waddled like a penguin with her nose in the air and her shoulders back. "Ethel was based on another auntie who used to drink in the Dolphin pub. Colonel Pip is based on my grandfather who fought in both world wars."

In his youth, Kevin built stories around the Rockhoppas which he used to read to his younger sister, Sarah. Later he expanded the characters and developed a whole history for the colony, which is led by Queen Alicia and features mischievous babies the Waddling Puffs.

"They have moved from the South Atlantic because of global warming," said Kevin. "They are adrift on an iceberg and are rescued by Royal Marines.

"The Rockhoppas get their name because they like to hop over rocks and live by the shoreline. "They come to Plymouth on HMS Woof, a Royal Navy ship, and set up home on Drake's Island, which they rename Rockhoppas' Island."

The penguins' fictional impact on Plymouth is almost matched by their author's own profile in the city. He was constantly in the headlines as a campaigner on issues ranging from curbing loutish behaviour by binge-drinkers in the Barbican to restoring Tinside pool.

Now aged 47, he has stepped away from politics and is a media co-ordinator for A4E, which is contracted by the government to help people on benefits get back into employment.

The company's work includes boosting some clients' literacy and Kevin believes the Rockhoppas might help get the next generation hooked on reading. "Children need to be encouraged to read," he said.

The Rockhoppas' cheery cartoon illustrations are by fellow Plymothian Stuart McGhee who is a student at Plymouth College.

The characters will waddle into life on The Herald's new Saturday children's page beginning on February 6.

Like their campaigning creator, the birds are not backward at coming forward. One of their adventures includes a royal appointment at Buckingham Palace, an engagement which the penguins take confidently in their short strides.

To see pictures of the new characters please click:

www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/rockhoppas-ready-roll-press/article-1781404-detail/article.html