Former presenter: Children's TV in crisis

Former Play School presenter Floella Benjamin has said the Government must address a "crisis" in children's television.

She said commercial channels would soon provide "a diet of cheap imports" for youngsters if things did not change.

Benjamin suggested to the Social Market Foundation think tank that ministers should put extra money into public service children's shows.

"Children's television has to be funded properly... to give their audience opportunities to explore, imagine and indulge in a world that will last for a lifetime," she said.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport told BBC News it was already discussing the issue with broadcasters.

A spokesman commented: "Children's television programming is a much valued and important part of the UK's broadcasting environment."

There have recently been concerns that the BBC and ITV are reducing shows for young people.