Roobarb returns for a second helping of Custard

Published on Saturday 30 July 2005 00:50

ROOBARB and Custard, the cult 1970s cartoon which entertained millions of youngsters with its catchy theme tune and wobbly animation, is returning to TV for a new series, it emerged last night.

The programme, which was first broadcast in 1974, will again feature Richard Briers, the actor, as narrator and has been written by Grange Calveley, the creator of the previous series.

Originally shown on the BBC, the new Roobarb and Custard has been commissioned by Channel Five and will begin screening next month on the network's morning Milkshake show.

Briers, now 71, said: "I am delighted to have been asked to narrate this wonderful new series of Roobarb and Custard 30 years on. "Roobarb always has held a special place in my heart, and I hope a new generation of children will be captivated by the wacky little dog's charm and wit."

The distinctive animation style of the original Roobarb series derived from the basic way the cartoon was made.

Calveley, who based Roobarb on his own Welsh border collie, drew the character for the screen on ordinary paper coloured in with magic markers. Roobarb the dog remains green, while Custard the cat stays his customary bright pink.

The makers said they had retained the cartoon's trademark "wobble", but they have updated the series with new characters and set the plots in the present day.

The first episode of the new series opens with Roobarb attempting to build a home computer.