A BOOK written by a Wotton-under-Edge illustrator has been adapted into a television series which was aired on Channel 5.

Toot the Tiny Tugboat is based on the book Toot and Pop by French children's author Sebastien Braun, and was broadcast for the first time on Monday, October 20.

It is now part of Channel 5’s hugely popular Milkshake! strand as a pre-school series alongside some of the world’s favourite young children's characters such as Peppa Pig, Noddy and Fireman Sam.

Mr Braun’s animated book was published in 2010 and tells the story of Pop, a tiny tug boat working at a harbour, and the arrival of a new ship, Toot.

The author, who has lived in Synwell for six years, said: “About a year after the book was published the interest was shown and it took about four years from the first inquiring to happen to the broadcast.

“It’s fantastic. They kept the style simple and kept me in the loop the whole time. They let me help design a few of the characters for the show. I’m chuffed. I’m definitely going to tune in.”

Mr Braun has been working exclusively on children’s picture books since he moved to the UK in 2000. Toot the Tiny Tugboat will be broadcast through 52 episodes with each episode being 12 minutes long.

Ruth Fielding, the producer for Lupus Films, in association with Toot Enterprises Production for Channel 5 and S4c, said: “We think our viewers are going to absolutely love travelling to the Harbour and having maritime fun with Toot and his friends.

“With an emphasis on friendship, teamwork, diversity, community, determination and self-belief, the adventures of Toot and his friends will empower children, while giving them lots of nautical fun along the way.”

The series was commissioned by Channel 5 head of children’s television Jessica Symons.

“We are thrilled to be working with Lupus Films to bring this lovely series to screen,” said Ms Symons.

“Toot will complement Milkshakes’ other output perfectly and we’re certain that our young viewers will quickly climb on board to enjoy Toot’s humorous adventures out on the water.”

Toot the Tiny Tugboat joined the Milkshake daily schedule on Monday, October 20, at 6.30am.