First image released from Channel 4's We're Going On A Bear Hunt

We're Going on A Bear Hunt is set to air on Channel 4 this Christmas; The half hour film will expand the universe of the much-loved book for a truly festive family treat. Olivia Colman (Broadchurch, The Night Manager), Pam Ferris (Matilda, Call the Midwife) and Mark Williams (Harry Potter, Father Brown) will breathe life into the brand new characters of Mum, Grandma and Dad respectively.

Speaking about the forthcoming film of his classic work, Michael Rosen, who voices the bear in the animation, said "I think it's always wrong to want an adaptation to be a strict adaptation. I know that's mad but the point is, a book is a book, a film is a film, a radio programme is a radio programme. It is a new creation and so you have to go with the new rhythm and idea. Animation does very special things, it can create things that aren’t real and make you think they’re real in a very moving way."

Based on the hit bedtime book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and produced by the makers of the hugely-popular The Snowman and The Snowdog animation, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt follows the intrepid adventures of siblings Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max, the baby and Rufus the dog, who decide one day to go on an adventure in search of bears.

Coming up against a host of obstacles the family ventures through whirling snowstorms, thick oozing mud and dark forests on their ambitious quest.  But when Rosie and Rufus become detached from the rest of the party it looks like bear-hunting might not be such fun after all...

Channel 4 will broadcast the one-off half hour special this Christmas, bringing to life the irresistible story and beautiful artwork of the 25 year-old children's classic.  Made with exquisite, hand-drawn animation, the film is set to enchant a whole new audience with its story of perseverance, optimism and a love of nature.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt is produced by Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin with Norton Herrick as executive producer for Herrick Entertainment and Helen McAleer and Julia Posen as executive producers for Walker Productions. Joanna Harrison and Robin Shaw are co-directors. It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Jay Hunt, Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer, Head of Drama, Beth Willis, John Hay, Head of Specialist Factual and Liz Lewin, Commissioning Editor, Drama.

We're Going On a Bear Hunt is a Lupus Films Production in association with Bear Hunt Films, Walker Productions and Herrick Entertainment for Channel 4 Television Corporation