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The animation factory behind children's TV heroes

News imageBBC Cartoon strip shows two depictions of Danger Mouse - a cartoon white mouse with a blindfold over his left eye. Both versions have their hands stretched out in front of them as they look towards each other.BBC
Artwork from the 1980s favourite Danger Mouse are among the displays

"Iconic and legendary" stars of animations which dominated children's television from the 1970s onwards have gone on show.

Props from shows such as Danger Mouse and Postman Pat, made by the production firm Cosgrove Hall, can be viewed for free at Sale Library in Greater Manchester.

Former children's TV presenter Pat Sharp said: "It becomes iconic, legendary, because it's from a time when people who are now adults didn't have a relationship or rent or mortgage or job worries.

"They just had a school bag which they could chuck down and then be glued to the only entertainment that was available for them at the time."

News imageProp of Toad in a red-and-white check suit and red bow tie standing in a quaint living room set. A wooden chair is in the background with books and plant pots stacked on a side table.
Toad from the 1983 film adaptation of The Wind in the Willows is among the props on display
News imageJason Lock Group picture featuring (left to right) Brian Cosgrove, David Jason and Mark Hall smiling and leaning on a production studiodeck. Two other unidentified men stand behind smiling.Jason Lock
Actor David Jason (centre), who voiced both Toad and Danger Mouse, with Brian Cosgrove (front left) and Mark Hall (front right)
News imageJason lock Prop of Chorlton the Happiness Dragon with a rainbow striped hat and yellow top with hands stretched out.Jason lock
The production firm was based in the south Manchester suburb of Chorlton - inspiration for the 1970s show Chorlton and The Wheelies (above)
News imageJason Lock Image of Ben - one of the flowerpot men - from the back along with other character props in a display caseJason Lock
It was set up by Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall in 1976 and continued until 2009
News imageJason Lock Props of Andy Pandy in a blue and white striped hat and onesie-type suit. Next to him is female character Looby Loo, who has blonde plaits and a pink spotted dress.Jason Lock
Cosgrove Hall was also involved in the remakes of Andy Pandy and Postman Pat in the noughties
News imageJason Lock Props from various shows appear in glass display boxes attached to ble walls. Some pencil sketches have also been hung on the walls.Jason Lock
The exhibits can be seen for free at Sale Library after nearby arts venue Waterside saved them from going into the scrapheap

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