Postman Pat delivers to Germany

About 38 million German children will be able to watch Postman Pat

Children's favourite Postman Pat is to begin a mail round in Germany - where he will be called Postbote Pat.

The enduring TV character was given his new name as part of a deal with British owner Entertainment Rights.

The move follows in the footsteps of Basil Brush, who was rebranded Herr Brush for the German market.

Postman Pat has been sold to more than 100 countries, and is one of the most profitable merchandising characters in the pre-school market.

The adventures of Pat and his black and white cat Jess will be shown by broadcaster Super RTL on its pre-school channel.

Largest

It will be seen in more than 38 million German homes.

Chief executive Mike Heap said: "Postman Pat will now be on air in the five largest pre-school markets - the USA, Japan, UK, France and Germany."

In Italy, Pat is known as Il Postino Pat, while in France he is Pierre Le Facteur.

Entertainment Rights also owns or controls the rights to Rupert the Bear, Little Red Tractor, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and Ghostbusters.