A HAND drawn animated film directed by Wivenhoe's Roger Mainwood has become one of the highlights of the Christmas television schedule.

An estimated four million people tuned in to the unique 90 minute film with many more taking to Twitter to comment on its beauty as it became the top trending item for hours.

Mr Mainwood, who has been involved in the project for almost a decade, said he could not be happier with how it was received and now plans to take it to the Palm Springs International Film Festival next month.

Ethel and Ernest appeared on primetime BBC One from 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Speaking after it aired from his Wivenhoe home Mr Mainwood said: "The figures were pretty amazing for an animated drama.

"We are all absolutely delighted with the result and the reaction on Twitter since the broadcast."

The film, adapted from the award winning novel by Raymond Briggs, depicts the life and times of his Londoner parents, played by Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn.

Mr Mainwood has been involved in animation since the 1970s and has worked on some of Britain’s best-loved animations, including the Oscar-nominated The Snowman, Father Christmas, The Snowman and The Snowdog and When the Wind Blows.

He started working on Ethel and Ernest in 2007 with John Coates, the producer of The Snowman, who sadly died in 2012, after the book by Mr Briggs had been published in 1998.

Mr Mainwood said: "I have spoken to Raymond and he is delighted and trying to catch up on all the responses.

"It is unique and I have to praise the BBC for putting it on in such a spot.

"It was a very daring thing for the BBC to do and something you can only get from a public broadcaster.

"It was originally a film made with support from the British Film Institute and Universal."

It took many years to secure the funding because this was not like what had come before but Mr Mainwood believes the very thing which made it difficult to fund has become its strength with people enjoying something different.

He added: "I hope this helps resurrect hand drawn animation."

Mr Mainwood is in discussions about a number of projects including two other hand drawn features.

He also hopes to find a film distributor who wants to share Ethel and Ernest around the world.