Channel 4 is celebrating 50 years of Roger Hargreaves’ classic Mr Men books with a special show dedicated to the tales.

50 Years of Mr Men will be presented by Matt Lucas, and will chart the history of the little characters who found their way into the hearts and bedtime stories of generations of children around the world.

Hargreaves’ son Adam, also a published author, will also create five prototype new characters for a global public vote, with the two most popular announced when the programme airs, before becoming the latest members of the Mr Men and Little Miss universe in September this year.

Matt Lucas said: “I grew up on these books and considered the Mr Men and Little Miss characters my friends! I am delighted to be meeting them all again and look forward to finding out the story behind this much-loved, iconic series.”