Friends in flight

How The Snowman became a classic Christmas film

With its charming tale of a snowman who comes to life, memorable theme tune Walking in the Air and introduction featuring David Bowie, The Snowman has become a much-loved festive fixture in the Christmas TV schedules.

Now, to mark 40 years since its first TV airing, a new documentary tells the behind-the-scenes story of how the Raymond Briggs book was brought to life, with contributions from the team behind the animation.