'Taff-pack' actors Ioan Gruffudd, Matthew Rhys and Rhys Ifans have donated their voices to a one-off Christmas Eve show from animation powerhouse S4C.

Made by US animators Rainbow Studios, Donner follows the plight of one of Santa's reindeer as he battles to overcome his unlikely fear of flying.

His fleet of reindeer is gathered in an army boot camp where strict sergeant major Blitzen (Ifans) looks to prepare them for their big night.

Donner is the latest S4C commission

But all does not go according to plan when Skeezer (Rhys), a mischievous elf cast aside for his naughty antics, causes havoc for poor Donner (Gruffudd).

"Skeezer's a real wide boy of a character," says Matthew Rhys, who was in the stage version of The Graduate as well as current animation Y Mabinogi.

"He's there to cause trouble for Donner and I've tried to convey his personality and character in the voice.

"As an actor I find voicing animated characters quite a challenge.

"It's very technical and timing is imperative, but I also find it very enjoyable."

Family show

But Donner, adapted for Welsh by Atsain of Cardiff, is just the latest animation work from S4C, which has been key in creating an industry worth up to an estimated �10m and employing at least 250 people.

The Welsh-language broadcaster's first show when going live in 1982 was Superted.

Friends and housemates Gruffudd and Rhys are just back from filming on director Marc Evans' latest film along with Cerys Matthews, Si�n Phillips, John Cale and Bryn Terfel.

Atsain producer Pat Griffiths said: "I'm delighted that Matthew, Ioan and Rhys were available to return to Wales to take part in this production.

"Their contribution gives added value to Donner as an animation for both children and adults."

Donner is broadcast in Welsh on S4C at 1630 GMT on Christmas Eve.