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In 1983 Cosgrove Hall Films' Danger Mouse topped the TV ratings with 21 million viewers – beating Coronation Street. To this day, the Bond-style secret agent, super hero mouse holds the record for viewers of a British children's TV show.

The voice of Danger Mouse himself - Sir David Jason - tells the colourful story of Cosgrove Hall, the legendary Manchester animation company behind so many of the nation's best-loved children's TV programmes.

For 30 years, BAFTA and EMMY award-winning animation duo Brian Cosgrove and the late Mark Hall delighted children (and often adults) with their many memorable creations - from the often surreal Chorlton and the Wheelies, Jamie and the Magic Torch, and Count Duckula, to remakes of cherished classics like Noddy, Andy Pandy and Bill and Ben.

Cosgrove Hall's extensive back catalogue also includes Wind in the Willows, Cockleshell Bay, Roald Dahl's The BFG, Engie Benjy and Kenny Everett's daft animated space adventure Captain Kremmen, as well as animated lost episodes of Doctor Who.

Sir David explores Cosgrove Hall's triumphs - as well as the tragedies that led this iconic company to close and its historic studios to be knocked down. He also considers the company's legacy and influence on today's British animation industry - and beyond.

And he offers a rare insight into its colourful working relationship with stars like Kenny Everett as well as revealing the truth behind the rumours that Danger Mouse is set to make a comeback. As DM's sidekick Penfold would say, Crikey!

Producer: Kellie Redmond
A TBI Media production for Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 4 first broadcast in 2013.