Playboy owner Hugh Hefner appeared in an episode of The Simpsons

Simpsons matriarch Marge Simpson is gracing the cover of Playboy magazine, becoming the first cartoon character in the publication's history.

The November issue sees Marge posing on a chair with the distinctive Playboy Bunny logo.

It marks the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, viewed as America's most dysfunctional family.

The move to put Marge on the cover is an attempt to draw in a younger audience for the soft porn magazine.

"We knew that this would really appeal to the 20-something crowd," said Playboy spokeswoman Theresa Hennessey.

It is not yet known how much of Marge will be on show inside the issue, but "it's very, very racy," said editorial director James Jellinek.

He added: "She is a stunning example of the cartoon form."

The edition goes on sale in the US on 16 October, but subscribers to the magazine will find their copies have a more traditional live model on the cover.

Playboy owner Hugh Hefner is said to be a huge Simpsons fan and appeared in an episode in the early 1990s.