Netflix produces first British children's series

Television streaming giant Netflix has made its first foray into British kids' programming, after announcing the 2017 release of a remake of The Worst Witch, as well as an untitled project known as "Horse Mystery".

The move comes as the company faces a period of strong competition from the likes of Amazon and Sky for audience numbers.

Based on a series of novels from Jill Murphy, The Worst Witch focuses on the tribulations of Mildred Hubble, played by child actor Bella Ramsey from Game of Thrones, who attends a school of withccraft but struggles with clumsiness.

The "Horse Mystery" project centres around another tennage girl who develops a special relationship with a horse. Netflix is the sole fundraiser for the programme which is currently in production by Liverpool group Lime Pictures.

Director of Global Kids Content for the Silicon Valley company Andy Yeatman said that the shows have certain similarities.

"Our mission of creating stories and characters younger members can relate to, and even aspire to be, comes through in these projects," Yeatman said. "While set in very different contexts, both shows center around characters who are learning to deal with and overcome hardship, while also enjoying the journey and all its surprises."

Netflix announced last year that it would be pushing into the area of making original programming for children, in an attempt to broaden its appeal.

On-demand television is massively outperforming traditional broadacast avenues, and children and teenagers are thought to be a key battleground as they have the most free time, and appetite for binge watching.