U.K.-based media and entertainment company Ludorum's train-themed series CHUGGINGTON has been picked up by major networks in Europe, reports C21 MEDIA. SuperRTL (Germany), TF1 (France) and ABC (Australia) have signed broadcast deals for the 3D animated series aimed at three- to six-year-olds and their parents. The series is already in production for the BBC and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2008. Shanghai-based Motion Magic Digital Entertainment is animating the show. Ludorum expects global broadcast to begin in spring 2009, based on the series' reception at the last MIPCOM.

U.S.-based Learning Curve Brands will develop global lines of toys for the property, with launch expected in early 2010.

The company also has picked up rights to the classic comic characters Dennis and Gnasher, and is producing a 52x11 series that has already been picked up by the BBC (UK) and Nine Network (Australia). Ludorum has acquired global broadcast, home entertainment, consumer product and new media rights from comic publisher DC Thomson, and the series is slated for delivery in autumn 2009.