Noddy's looking for a wider audience

Chorion said it had signed a merchandising and distribution deal with brand management firm Funimation.

Noddy DVDs are expected to go on sale in the US later in the year after the character's TV series begins.

The 'Make way for Noddy' series is set to begin broadcasting on US public broadcaster PBS on 2 July.

Chorion said the launch of the series would give the Noddy brand "a high-profile base from which to launch merchandising initiatives".

As well as owning the rights to Noddy, Chorion also has the rights to Enid Blyton's Famous Five and Agatha Christie's works and characters including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

Last year, it also acquired all rights to the Mr Men and Little Miss characters, who were created by Roger Hargreaves.