Channel 4 has announced to celebrate its animation heritage there will be a sequel to the 1982 Classic The Snowman.

The iconic original was adapted for screen from the children’s book written by Raymond Briggs with no dialogue; only the now famous theme tune “Walking In The Air.” It has been shown every year by Channel 4 since its original broadcast.

The original story followed the exploits of a young boy who creates a Snowman that magically comes to life, and the adventures that followed. The Snowman 2 will reunite us with the famous Snowman character but this time in a brand new adventure with a new set of friends.

Briggs will be updating his own creation to bring us the sequel following on from the original story which he created in 1978 and is one of the most popular children’s books ever published in his 40+ year career as a children’s author and illustrator. He also penned other children’s favourites including; Father Christmas in the early 70s, followed by Fungus the Bogeyman, the satire on nuclear war When the Wind Blows and, then The Snowman.

Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt comments: ‘The Snowman is an entrancing animation that has stood the test of time. I’m thrilled that Raymond will be giving us this sequel which I’m sure will be as delightful and unforgettable as the original.’

Puffin’s Managing Director, Francesca Dow, adds: ‘Puffin is extremely proud to publish The Snowman and delighted to be working with Channel 4 on this wonderful new animation, which will see a new generation of children enchanted by Raymond’s classic creation.’

The sequel will air Christmas 2012 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the original animation.