Michael Palin will narrate a new series of Clangers, the BBC confirmed today.

Clangers originally launched on the BBC in 1969 and are pink, long-nosed, inventive and loveable mouse-shaped creatures who live on a small blue planet, out in the starry stretches of space, not far from Earth.

Its surface is peppered with holes topped with metal dustbin lids, which flip open with a 'Clang!' to reveal steps down to their home beneath the surface of the planet - containing a series of interconnecting tunnels and caves. Kind and generous creatures, they communicate with distinctive whistles and a narrator comments on the events that occur in every episode.

Created by Pete Firmin and Oliver Postgate, the series was made by the pair's company, Smallfilms, which operated from a former cowshed at Firmin's Kent home.

Original narrator Postgate died in 2008, and it is his son, Daniel, as well as Firmin, who are behind the revival of the animated classic.

Michael Palin said today: "The world of the Clangers is delightful and irresistible. It's a real pleasure and a great privilege to be a part of its return to television."

Clangers marks the multi-award winning actor, writer and comedian's first foray into children's animation, having previously authored a collection of children's books.

Daniel Postgate, who will act as an executive producer on the new series and has written the show's scripts, says: "Michael Palin was my first and favourite choice, so of course I'm absolutely delighted. Among other things, he's been a warm and charming guide for us all in his extensive travels around this world, so it seems wonderfully appropriate that he should pack his bags once more, go off across the starry expanse of space and do the same for the world of the Clangers."

Pete Firmin said: "As an old stick-in-the-mud I don't often change my mind and from the very beginning I wished and hoped that Michael Palin would agree to be our narrator. Once in a blue moon wishes come true. This is once in a blue moon. I hope Michael enjoys his voyage to our little Blue Planet."

The new series is produced in stop-motion animation by specialists Factory Transmedia and award-winning puppet makers Mackinnon and Saunders. The two companies are also responsible for the production of CBBC comedy Strange Hill High.

Pete Firmin is working closely on the design of the new series, and will also act as an executive producer.

Here is an episode from the original incarnation of the extra-terrestrial childrens' programme: