NI's Own Seasame Street Launched

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was out and about today at one of his more unusual events - attended the launch of 'Sesame Tree', BBC Northern Ireland's version of Sesame Street - which took place in Belfast today.

The new Ulster children's series swops the New York street setting of the original series for a titular tree.

Familiar faces Bert, Ernie, and Elmo will be joined by local characters Hilda and Potto.

There will be twenty 15-minute shows featuring aspects of rural and urban life in Northern Ireland and all over the world.

Martin McGuinness, said the programme's message is not just for three to six-year-olds.

"Potto and Hilda are a combination that work well together, and today we saw a very strong message of sharing that we would all do well to share

"We have an 82-year-old unionist and a 52-year-old republican agreeing to share power, and they have done so since May last year," said Mr McGuinness.

Each episode features a different adventure for muppets Potto and Hilda, including young girls preparing and practicing their Irish dancing, and members of the Boys Brigade gathering all the tools they need for a night walk.

Sesame Tree is produced by Belfast production company Sixteen South, with the help of Sesame Street muppeteer Marty Robinson.

Colin Williams, Executive Producer, said it was an "honour" to work on the programme, Sesame Tree, while Gary E Knell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sesame Workshop said: "The images we share and the stories we tell have the potential to extend far beyond the television screen to become a valuable resource for children growing up today in Northern Ireland."

Local singer/songwriter Duke Special wrote the song title, in addition to appearing in episode 20 of the show.

He said that "It was a worthwhile experience", although he admitted to find acting with the muppets a bit daunting.

Sesame Tree debuts on BBC2 Northern Ireland April 5 and 6.

(GK/JM)