Foster's lager is to fund a new online sketch comedy series starring Shooting Stars duo Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.

Vic and Bob's Afternoon Delights will see the comics "introduce a group of never-seen-before characters to surprise and delight their legion of fans."

This new series follows in the wake of Alan Partridge's Mid Morning Matters, the internet series starring Steve Coogan, which was also sponsored by the beer brand and was such a success it is now transferring to TV.

Vic and Bob's new series launches on 4th July on fostersfunny.co.uk, with new sketches airing every weekday until the start of August. Characters are set to include a pair of UFO Hunters (pictured). July is also the month that Shooting Stars is expected to return to BBC Two for another series.

Speaking about the new project, Vic Reeves said: "Foster's has given us the freedom to let our imaginations run wild and present to you, via the internet, some exclusive characters and sketches."

Foster's spokesperson Gayle Harrison adds: "We are genuinely excited by the prospect of a collaboration between Foster's and the unique comic phenomenon that has made Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer two of Britain's most admired comedy actors over the last two decades. The new partnership will enhance Foster's reputation as a facilitator of top comedy and we know our core brand audience will enjoy seeing Vic and Bob unearth more precious 'comedy gold' moments in the new series."

This latest news sees Foster's once again increase its stake in comedy sponsorship. The brand also financially backs The British Comedy Awards, The Edinburgh Comedy Awards, original comedy programming on Channel 4, and the Highlight comedy clubs.