A LYME Regis resident has received one of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ (BAFTA) highest honours for his contribution to children’s television.

Clive Juster was honoured with the Special Award at this year’s British Academy Children’s Awards in London.

The award celebrates excellence and recognises Mr Juster’s outstanding contribution to children’s television, which he has worked in for 50 years.

He started at the BBC as a film editor in the late 1960s, where he edited ‘Play School’ and ‘Dr Who’ and did Foley sound effects for the BBC Shakespeare series and other high-profile dramas.

In 1970, he was sound and picture editor on the iconic ‘Mr Benn’ series and so began a friendship with its creator – David McKee.

In 1978, he set up ‘King Rollo’ films with David McKee and Danish animator, Leo Nielsen, one of the UK’s first independent production companies specialising in children’s animation.

In his career, Mr Juster has produced more than 20 children’s series, as well as many shorts and TV specials.

He has distributed his shows around the world, selling to more than 100 countries.

He never left his love of sound design, voice direction and editing behind, and has worked with top voice talent, including Arthur Lowe, Roy Kinnear, Stubby Kaye, Ray Brooks, Paul Nicholas, Victoria Wood, Neil Morrissey, Alison Steadman, Hugh Laurie, Jane Horrocks, Richard Briers, Imelda Staunton and Alan Bennett.

In 2017, Mr Juster and Mr McKee sold the rights side of the business to Factory Transmedia, with Mr Juster now working as a consultant and busy on some exciting new projects.

Helen Blakeman, chair of the BAFTA children’s committee, said: “We are delighted to announce Clive Juster as our special award recipient, one of BAFTA’s highest honours.

“His commitment to children’s television over the last 50 years, in producing some of the most iconic children’s animations, has inspired childhood imaginations around the world.”

Mr Juster said: “I feel someone has made a mistake!

“I am honoured, but I have been lucky – I have had some of the best people around me.

“In this business, it is teamwork that gets results. But if I have learned anything, it is to never give up.”