Spin-off show for Postman Pat cat

Jess the cat (l) will speak for the first time in Guess with Jess

Postman Pat's black and white cat Jess is to get his own TV spin-off.

In contrast to the original show's stop-motion animation, however, Guess with Jess will be made using hi-tech computer-generated imagery.

Guess with Jess will be shown on BBC One, BBC Two and CBeebies from 2008. Aimed at pre-school children, it will have its own range of toys.

The show will follow the adventures of Pat's feline sidekick, whom viewers will hear speak for the first time.

"Public demand encouraged us to develop this much-loved brand," said Mike Heap of Postman Pat's parent company Entertainment Rights.

Jess is to get an image makeover

"We have no doubt that Jess will continue to charm pre-schoolers in his very own show."

Postman Pat first appeared on the BBC in 1981 and has since been sold to more than 100 countries.

He will shortly be seen on German television under the name Postbote Pat.