Tennant voices Chitty Chitty book (From York Press)

Tennant voices Chitty Chitty book

7:57am Wednesday 21st December 2011 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2011

David Tennant is the voice of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in a new sequel to the story of the flying car.

The former Doctor Who was chosen by the family of Ian Fleming, the author of the original story, to take the part in the new audiobook Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again.

The new story, by Frank Cottrell Boyce, is the first official sequel and is released online today.

The original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was written by James Bond creator Fleming and was made into a popular film in 1968 starring Dick Van Dyke.

Lucy Fleming, niece of the original author, said: "We are thrilled that David agreed to read the audiobook. He is such a talented actor and his voice brings Frank Cottrell Boyce's story to life with a wry humour and great characterisation. Chitty could not have been in safer hands with him behind the wheel."

The new story contains references to famous James Bond characters and moments, in tribute to the original author.

In an interview which accompanies the audiobook, David said: "The idea of a flying car is hard to better. I think we would all love to have a car that would take off, escape the traffic and fly you to any country in the world."

When asked to sum up the story in three words, the actor could not quite manage it, saying it is "very clever, slightly surreal and hugely readable".