Dennis the Menace featured on 50p coin to mark 75 years

Dennis the Menace has been featured on a new commemorative 50p coin to mark 75 years since the character first appeared in the Beano.

The Royal Mint has unveiled the collectable in collaboration with the comic, celebrating the long-running children's favourite and his dog, Gnasher.

The design shows Dennis in his trademark red-and-black striped jumper alongside his canine companion, with some versions featuring colour printing.

The coin goes on sale from Thursday, with prices starting at £15.

Dennis first appeared in Beano in March 1951, and has since become one of the comic's most recognisable characters.

The new 50p has been produced in partnership with Beano, Britain's longest-running weekly comic, which was first published in 1938.

Rebecca Morgan, from The Royal Mint, said the coin is a fitting way to mark the 75th anniversary.

"This coin captures everything we love about him, that unmistakable mischievous grin, his furry pal Gnasher by his side and that irresistible spirit of rebellion that has made him a favourite across generations," she said.

"We're incredibly proud to bring Dennis to life in this way, and we know this coin will be treasured by Beano fans young and old."

Rob Glenny, from Beano, said the coin captures Dennis' "mischief", saying it is a "brilliant way to mark 75 years of laughs, pranks and unleashed imagination".

Dennis' first ever story, in black and white, involved him getting into trouble for failing to heed a warning to keep off the grass.

He first appeared in full colour in 1954, and Gnasher arrived in 1968 when Dennis found him wandering the streets of Beanotown.

The idea for the character emerged when Beano's editor heard a musical hall song with the chorus "I'm Dennis the Menace from Venice" and ordered a character to fit the name.