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Most pre-school children want to be a celebrity when they are older, according to a new survey.

The research put traditional children's favourites like firefighter and astronaut lower down the list.

Researchers asked parents what they thought their children, aged between two and five, would choose as a career.

Almost a third (31 per cent) said their sons and daughters wanted to be a famous performer - either a singer, dancer or actor.

Joining the fire brigade took second place, followed by becoming a builder or architect.

Being an astronaut was fourth, with the police force in fifth place and becoming a farmer or train driver next in the top 10.

When it comes to their own preference for their children, parents favoured the sciences.

Doctors, scientists and engineers came out top, with (21 per cent) saying they would like their children to pursue one of these careers.

Only nine per cent would like their children to become a celebrity performer.

The poll of 792 parents of children aged two to five was commissioned for animated TV series Lunar Jim, on CBeebies.

Lunar Jim creator Alexander Bar said: "In an age of celebrity it's not surprising that so many youngsters want to be performers - but it's encouraging that their parents really do see the importance of developing an interest in science-oriented learning."

Of the adults interviewed, 51 per cent were the parents of boys and 49 per cent were the parents of girls.

What pre-schoolers' want to be...

1. A famous performer (singer, dancer, actor)
2. Firefighter
3. Builder or architect
4. Astronaut
5. Policeman or woman
6. Farmer
7. Train driver
8. Vet
9. Doctor
10. Teacher