LOADSA HUNNEY; Pooh Bear's a billionaire.

Byline: TOBY McDONALD

WINNIE the Pooh earned pounds 3.5 billion last year, making him the world's wealthiest fictional character.

AA Milne's honey-loving bear licked Mickey Mouse, on pounds 2.8 billion, into second place.

The two much-loved Disney characters aged 82 and 75 top a rich list compiled by Forbes business magazine.

Next comes Harry Potter, who brought in a wizard pounds 1.7 billion last year.

The world's top 10 fictional characters grossed more than pounds 13.76 billion. The figures include books, movies, games and TV spin-offs.

Those who didn't quite make the Top 10 include Homer Simpson, James Bond and Bob the Builder.

They were pipped by a new generation of children's favourites, such as Sully from the film Monsters Inc and TV cartoon characters Pikachu and Sponge Bob Square Pants.

Vanessa Gisquet of Forbes said: ``To qualify for our list, a fictional character must have made their debut in a story, be it book, film or videogame.''

``That excluded toys such as Barbie, who would have been third with pounds 2.2 billion.

``Winnie the Pooh is still tops for children. Unlike some other characters on our list, he does not owe his success to a blockbuster movie.

``His image can be found on millions of pyjamas, backpacks and lunchboxes.''

CAPTION(S):

Rich: Winnie the Pooh