Los Angeles, Nov 10 (DPA) Landmark children's television show Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th anniversary Tuesday with a special guest: First Lady Michelle Obama is set to appear on the programme and will tout the benefits of fresh and healthy food.

Obama plants a mini vegetable garden on the show, to mirror the one she planted on the White House grounds. "Veggies taste so good when they come fresh from the garden, don't they?" she says. "If you eat all these healthy foods, you are going to grow up to be big and strong."

Then she flexes her famous arms and adds: "Just like me."

Sesame Street was started in 1969 with grants from the Carnegie Institute and the federal government, with the goal of using the latest knowledge of child development, psychology, TV innovations and preschool education to stimulate young viewers' minds.

Built around Jim Henson's Muppet characters like Elmo, Big Bird and the Cookie Monster, the programme aimed to improve children's letter recognition, math and problem solving skills and teach them essential life skills needed to thrive in modern society.

The show has won over 100 Emmy Awards, and has been shown in more than 125 countries. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential shows in television history.