Peter Kay is back in school again

6:18pm Friday 25th January 2008

PETER Kay has signed up for another 52 episodes of a hit pre-school animation series.

The Bolton comedian will continue to lend his vocal talents to a mechanic in the cartoon, called Roary the Racing Car.

The 34-year-old voices the character of karaoke-loving mechanic Big Chris in the series, which is narrated by racing legend Sir Stirling Moss.

The series is about an enthusiastic, novice, bright-red, single-seater racing car called Roary at the Silver Hatch race track.

It is produced by Chapman Entertainment in Manchester and animated by Cosgrove Hall Films, responsible for Danger Mouse and Chorlton and the Wheelies.

The series, which will be aired from 2009, is about to begin production of the 52 ten minute animated shows for Five and Nick Jr.

Chapman Entertainment's Manchester base is also responsible for Postman Pat, Bob the Builder and most recently Fifi and the Flowertots.

Roary was first broadcast in May last year and has proved to be a big success with the under-five' market.

Chapman has also sold the rights to the new series to three continental broadcasters and is hoping to confirm others shortly.

Peter said: "I love the idea that if something is a success, your voice is preserved for decades.

The series was conceived almost a decade ago by David Jenkins, who spent four years working in senior management at Brands Hatch and Goodwood Race Circuits.

He had the idea of making the series whilst watching the Grand Prix on TV with his son, Tom, who at the time was 18-months-old.

It is the second time Peter has lent his voice to an animation - he played a policeman in the movie, Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were Rabbit.

Olympic silver medal for Jason