Children's TV hit Balamory to end

PC Plum and Miss Hoolie are two of the central characters

Children's TV favourite Balamory is to come to an end after producers decided "to explore other programme ideas".

The BBC show, aimed at pre-school children, introduced youngsters to characters Miss Hoolie and PC Plum.

Filmed in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, the show launched in 2002 and picked up a Bafta last year.

Producers said there were still more than 50 new episodes to be screened so viewers could continue to enjoy it for some time yet.

"We've enough to keep the schedule fresh for a long time," said creative director Simon Parsons.

There are also three DVDs in the pipeline, including a Christmas special, about the fictional fishing village.

Balamory is shown daily on BBC Two and the CBeebies digital channel.

The series has spawned a clutch of merchandising including books, toys and music CDs, featuring characters such as Josie Jump, Spencer and Archie.

There is also a touring stage show featuring the cast members singing, dancing and telling stories.