UP to 60 jobs have been created at an Irish animation company after the BBC re-commissioned a children's programme.

Twice Bafta nominated, Roy will run on CBBC for a third and fourth series.

The show is filmed as a fly on the wall "mockumentary" and follows Roy, an 11-year-old cartoon boy who lives in Ballyfermot, west Dublin, with a real family and real friends.

Created by Dublin-based Jam Media, it features Simon Delaney as Roy's taxi-driver dad, who stars alongside Cathy Belton, Martha Byrne, Scott Graham and Mark Lambert.

John Rice, chief executive of Jam Media, said he was delighted the BBC had re-commissioned a double series.

"The series and the character of Roy really seems to resonate with viewers in the UK, Ireland and beyond," said Mr Rice.

"One of the reasons for this is that we're able to have so much fun with his physicality and really exaggerate his reactions and expressions.

"Roy is a true fish out of water but he doesn't see himself that way."

The investment is worth €8.85m and will create a further 60 jobs, on top of the 48 posts already at the production house.

The series is said to appeal to both kids and parents and touches on a number of everyday issues including bullies, responsibility, trust and teamwork.

Cheryl Taylor, CBBC controller, added: "Roy has a really distinctive visual style and an engaging tone which explores some of the more tricky elements of growing up with rare charm and humour."