Exhibition will set bells ringing among fans of The Clangers

SMALL pink mouse-like creatures that lived on a blue moon gave children of the 1970s hours of fun, and grown-up fans of the characters now have the chance to relive their youth.

The Clangers were the creation of animation studio Smallfilms, run by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, who were also responsible for Bagpuss, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine.

All of the small screen favourites take pride of place at the centre of an exhibition at Barnsley Civic, which has been designed around showings of animated films from around the world.

The Clangers, which stand around nine inches high, have been loaned for the exhibition by Peter Firmin.

Other stars of the show, including the Soup Dragon, the Iron Chicken and the Froglets also appear, and in separate displays visitors can see original scripts and sets from Smallfilms shows.

Also on display is a Clanger’s metal skeleton without its skin, which was apparently knitted by Peter Firmin’s wife Joan.

Civic gallery assistant Alison Brind said the characters had proved extremely popular.

The Small World International Film Festival runs at The Civic, in Hanson Street, Barnsley, until November 5. Admission is free. For more details log onto www.barnsleycivic.co.uk