The Teletubbies have landed a new day job in the States - they are about to start selling McDonald's hamburgers and fries.

The fast food giant has signed up Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po for a promotion later this year in its North American restaurants.

Children will receive a toy or trinket with the purchase of McDonald's food in the "Teletubbies Hugs" promotion.

The Teletubbies show, which premiered in the US on public service TV in April 1998, is now one of the top three programmes for children aged 1-5.

The promotion moves the BBC favourites into the world's big league of high-profile characters.

Other recent McDonald's campaigns have linked up with major films, including the Disney blockbusters Toy Story 2 and Tarzan.

The Teletubbies deal was struck by the New York-based itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, which licenses the Teletubbies brand.

"We are delighted to bring the fun and excitement of Teletubbies to McDonald's customers across North America," said RJ Milano, vice president for McDonald's US Marketing.

"Teletubbies are beloved by children everywhere and are the perfect addition to our roster of premiere entertainment properties," he continued.

Worldwide hit

The Teletubbies programme was created and developed by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport of Ragdoll Productions.

The pre-school series, which was first screened on BBC Two on 31 March, 1997, was an instant hit and soon earned cult status with children and adults.

The award-winning show is now the BBC's most successful TV export with viewers in 120 countries following the adventures of the "Flab Four".

Co-creator Anne Wood, who was last year named Britain's top businesswoman, was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours List for her services to children's broadcasting.

The show is also up for the US TV version of the Oscars at the Daytime Emmy Awards. It has been nominated against shows such as Sesame Street in the pre-school category. The awards will be presented on 21 May.

However, a;though the Teletubbies have been a tremendous commericial success they have attracted criticism from some educationalists who accused the series of being too infantile.