Bob the Builder dresses down for Royal occasion.

THE QUEEN came face to face with a 7ft purple dinosaur, a portly penguin and a larger than life construction worker yesterday in one of the strangest Royal line-ups ever.

Despite the unusual dignitaries, she was unfazed as she met Bob the Builder and other col ourful characters from the world of children's TV.

As Bob stood with his friends Barney the dinosaur and Pingu the penguin, towering above the Queen, he offered his large palm to the visiting Royal, who shook his hand and said with a smile: ``Good morning. ''

The Queen was visiting children's television producer HIT Entertainment in London as part of a Royal theme day to celebrate British enterprise.

She asked a group of excited youngsters standing close to popular favourite Bob: ``Do you know this person? Do you watch him?''

While Barney has in the past kept the company of Bill Clinton, George Bush Snr, Nelson Mandela and Dolly Parton, Bob is said to be seen rather less on the celebrity circuit.

``He doesn't usually mix with celebrities. It's a big day for him, '' HIT spokesman Simon Forrest revealed.

Bob has, however, met Prime Minister Tony Blair.

HIT Entertainment has won two Queen's Awards for its success in exporting its shows.

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The Queen meets Bob the Builder Picture: FIONA HANSON