'The Snowman and The Snowdog': First trailer - watch video

Channel 4 has released the first video trailer for its highly-anticipated festive animation The Snowman and The Snowdog.

The sequel to the 1982 Christmas classic The Snowman, which airs every year on Channel 4, is being billed as a "delightful and unforgettable" follow-up to the original.

Watch the Snowman and The Snowdog trailer:



The 1982 Snowman was adapted from author and creator Raymond Brigg's children's books.

Channel 4's sequel features new music from former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows and a new character, the Snowdog.

"I'm thrilled to announce that The Snowman and The Snowdog, a sequel as delightful and unforgettable as the original, will be the centrepiece of Channel 4's Christmas programming," said C4 boss Jay Hunt.

Camilla Deakin, one of the producers at Lupus Films, said: "Making a sequel to The Snowman is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it's been such a privilege to have Raymond Briggs's backing.

"We are also delighted that we've been able to make the film using traditional animation techniques, with a team of talented British animators' hand-drawing every one of the 17,000 frames in the film. We couldn't have done that without the full support of Channel 4, who have shared our vision every step of the way."

The Snowman and The Snowdog airs on Christmas Eve on Channel 4.