The legendary Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker is to bring his distinctive and excitable tones to children's television, it was announced today.

Walker spent 52 years commentating on grands prix, first for the BBC and then for ITV, and will now play himself in the cartoon Roary the Racing Car.

Back on track: Murray Walker will star in Roary the Racing Car

The 85-year-old said he had "enormous fun" recording the show alongside regular star Peter Kay and the narrator, former racing driver Sir Stirling Moss.

"So many of my friends with children, literally from all over the world, have told me how much they enjoy watching Roary the Racing Car with their youngsters, so I was delighted when I was invited to join the cast and absolutely enthralled to take part in the studio recordings with Peter Kay and the rest of the jolly talent," Walker said.

"They have been the most enormous fun and I now feel that I have achieved fame at last by becoming part of such an outstanding entertainment."

Roary the Racing Car follows the adventures of Roary, a bright red, single-seater who lives at Silver Hatch racetrack, his racing car friends and Big Chris the mechanic, played by comedian Kay.

Walker will commentate on races at Silver Hatch in two special episodes, to be aired on Channel Five's Milkshake! children's slot and digital channel Nick Jr in late autumn.