Start Licensing has been appointed to represent the new television property Claude in the UK and Eire.

Based on the successful series of books written and illustrated by award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Alex T. Smith, and published by the Hachette Children’s Group, Claude is aimed at the upper end of pre-school with broad appeal to both boys and girls.

The new animated series has been devised for television and produced by the BAFTA winning and Emmy nominated production company Sixteen South. Set to air on Disney Junior in the UK from June, the series features a distinctive 2D hand-drawn style which brings to life the visual style of the original books.

The series has attracted a stellar voice cast that includes Simon Callow CBE, Shane Richie, Anne Reid MBE, Jane Horrocks, Tameka Empson, Su Pollard, Bhasker Patel, and a newcomer – 11 year old Alexander Molony – as the voice of Claude.

Claude follows the adventures of a little beret-clad dog, Claude, and his faithful sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, in the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Pawhaven – home to an eccentric mix of larger-than-life-characters and colourful visitors. Claude has already launched on Disney Junior in Australia and will broadcast in all countries throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa later this year.

Hachette Children’s Group is planning a series of TV tie-in books, publishing worldwide. The tie-in range will include sticker activity and story books, and will publish from Spring 2019

Ian Downes from Start Licensing commented: “We are delighted to represent Claude. The popularity of the books means that the television series is starting from a strong place with a well-established audience and a retail track record. It also has a fresh and original style which will help it stand out. Sixteen South have created an animation series that captures the spirit, wit and originality of the books well. It is a very compelling proposition.”