A NORTH-EAST cartoon creation is hoping to reach the top spot at Christmas with its debut single.

Hit BBC cartoon series The Lampies is releasing a double a-side featuring Light Up The World For Christmas and the Lampies' Theme Tune, in a bid to get to number one.

Leading Lampy character Neon and his friends will be battle against the likes of Kate Winslet, Sir Cliff Richard and The Tweenies in the race to become number one.

Dave Bonner, who created The Lampies at Red Balloo productions in Newcastle said: "I'm sure that due to the popularity of the series and the infectious nature of the songs, kids and adults alike will be singing and dancing to the record as it hits the top of the charts."

The single will be distributed by Pinnacle Distribution which has enjoyed previous success with other cartoon characters such as Bob the Builder and The Tweenies.

Tony Powell, managing director at Pinnacle Distribution, said: "The British public love novelty records and there is no better time for this kind of release than the festive party season. We are confident that we can generate the same sort of success as we did with last year's massive hit for Bob the Builder."

The single, which is set for release on December 10 has already been given encouraging odds of 16-1 by bookmakers William Hill and Ladbrokes.

The Lampies pop band have secured gigs across the country during FA Premiership football matches and at Christmas lights ceremonies.

The Lampies, featuring magical creatures who live in lampposts, recently recorded the second highest viewing figures for a children's TV series in the UK and has been sold to 33 TV networks worldwide