A LIFELONG Rupert Bear fan has won the contract to illustrate future annuals.

Stuart Trotter, from Ferryhill, County Durham, received his first Rupert annual in 1959 - but will draw and write them himself from next year.

The 51-year-old said he felt privileged to follow artists such as Mary Tourtel, Rupert's creator, and Alfred Bestall.

Mr Trotter said: "My Mum and Dad used to get the Daily Express, where Rupert first appeared, and I got my first annual in 1959.

"I've enjoyed him all my life, so it's an honour - a real privilege - to be next in line. I've still got some of Bestall's annuals and they are inspirational."

Mr Trotter has illustrated Postman Pat and Winnie the Pooh books, among others, and has a publishing company with his own children's characters.

But, throughout his 30-year career, he has always had one eye on Rupert.

"When I was doing other characters, Rupert Bear was always in my sights," Mr Trotter said. "How I was going to achieve that, I didn't know."

The opportunity arose when he noticed an article in The Bookseller, reporting publisher Egmont had taken on Rupert's annuals.

"I have worked with them before, so sent some speculative drawings, which they liked very much, and it went from there," Mr Trotter said.

"I think we'll make a good team. It was an opportunity not to miss."

For the first time, the annuals will have new stories, rather than those from the newspaper. Mr Trotter will work with Egmont to devise storylines - but Rupert's style will not change.

"He will still be very much recognisable as the classic Rupert," Mr Trotter said.

Egmont's director, David Riley, said: "We are proud to announce Stuart's appointment as the new Rupert illustrator.

"We feel sure his great talent and dedication will continue the magnificent tradition of the Rupert Annual long into the 21st Century."

Jane Smith, from Entertainment Rights, who own Rupert's rights, said: "The Rupert Annual 2008 will have 64 pages of new stories. It is an integral part of our successful Rupert brand roll-out."

Mr Trotter, born and raised in Ferryhill, left the area after his A-levels.

He now lives in the Midlands, and has a 19-year-old son and 22-year-old daughter. For information on his own characters, visit www.rockpool childrensbooks.com