Belfast-based production company SixteenSouth has won the contract to make a new version of the legendary kids TV programme for an Ulster audience.

The 20-episode series, scheduled to be broadcast by the BBC next February, will feature new and original characters from Northern Ireland.

"Sesame Workshop in New York have set up local variations of Sesame Street in about 22 countries. This year the latest one to join the longest street in the world is Northern Ireland," said Ian McDonald, head of development with SixteenSouth and script editor for the series.

"It's going to be a special format just for Northern Ireland. We'll be getting our own Muppets. There are two main characters just designed for Northern Ireland. There will be Muppets and live action films from around the world.

"It's been written here and produced here and the actual puppets will have Northern Ireland actors behind them."

Experts from New York will be travelling over to help train the actors and puppeteers.

The series will also have a strong educational aspect and will take account of Northern Ireland's increasingly diverse cultural and ethnic make-up.

"It will reflect the lives of all the communities in Northern Ireland at present, Catholic and Protestant, but also Chinese and Polish as well," said Mr McDonald.

"It will reflect all the different cultures and ethnicities living here. "

The team is currently working on scripts, with filming due to begin in November.

"It's tremendous fun," said Mr McDonald.

"There's a real feeling of joy, but that we're also doing something that kids 20 years from now will remember."