BBC to screen Disney classics

Buzz Lightyear proved a hit in Toy Story 2

Some of the most popular animated movies of all time, including Toy Story and A Bug's Life, are to be shown on terrestrial TV for the first time.

Viewers will be able to watch Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Mulan, A Bug's Life and The Hunchback of Notre Dame after a deal was brokered between Buena Vista International Television and the BBC.

The films combined have grossed more then $2bn (£1.35bn) in worldwide box office and have been watched by more than 121 million people at cinemas in Europe.

Heimlich is a comic German caterpillar in A Bug's Life

David Hulbert, president of Walt Disney Television International said: "These films have a unique resonance with kids and families - they combine our storytelling heritage with innovative animation to produce the very best in family entertainment.

"The BBC has a long history of outstanding broadcasting and ground-breaking programming that entertains the whole family together - so it is appropriate that these Classic Treasures are showcased for the first time with them."

Sophie Turner Laing, the BBC's controller of programme acquisition, described the deal as "ground-breaking", saying the BBC had a "long and successful history of family film viewing".

She added that the package of movies ensured it would remain "popular for family viewing at key times in the year".

Mulan got a cool reception in China

The films' transmission dates have not yet been finalised.

Three of the films, Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and A Bug's Life were made by Disney in partnership with Pixar Animation.

The Academy Award-winning Toy Story (1995), was the computer-animated feature film, while 1998's A Bug's Life was the highest grossing animated film released in 1998.

Golden Globe-winner Toy Story 2 was also the highest grossing animated film released in 1999.