Five have commissioned 52 10-minute episodes of cartoon series Rupert Bear.

Rupert Bear has been around since the 1920s, and has sold 50 million annuals worldwide. However, bosses at company Entertainment Rights, who own the format, say they hope this new commission will rejuvenate Rupert, who has not been seen on our screens for a while.

According to Reuters, they plan to add new characters to the series, as well as giving Rupert a makeover, swapping his brown boots for more fashionable trainers. Alongside TV, online and DVD sales, the company will sell children's versions of Rupert's new trainers.

They say they plan to launch the new series in October 2006. Other characters owned by Entertainment Rights include Postman Pat, Mattel Inc.'s Barbie, Casper the Friendly Ghost and Basil Brush.