A nostalgic weekend of children’s programmes from the CITV archive proved to be a ratings hit for the commercial broadcaster’s kids channel.

Animated children’s programme Danger Mouse scored CITV’s highest ever audience as part the channel’s Old Skool weekend, compiled to celebrate 30 years of the brand.

Danger Mouse, which follows the adventures of a mouse, voiced by David Jason, who works as a secret agent attracted 523k (5.7%) in the half hour from 11.35am on Sunday 6 January. The audience was the highest rating programme on the channel since its launch in 2006.

Rosie & Jim, which aired ahead of Danger Mouse, was the second highest rated programme of the weekend with an audience of 455k (5.1%). Horrid Henry is the next best rated programme, according to figures supplied by Attentional.

Other classic programme repeats broadcast on 5 and 6 January included Fun House, Knightmare, The Raggy Dolls, Count Duckula, Art Attack, The Riddlers, Sooty and Co, Button Moon, How 2, Finders Keepers and The Sooty Show.

The programmes are available to view via VoD service ITV Player.

30 years of CITV

ITV children’s brand, CITV, launched on 3 January 1983 with presenters originally recording introductions to programmes such as Roland Rat, Timmy Mallet and Basil Brush. In 1987 the output went live with Gary Terzza and Debbie Shore as presenters.

The CITV channel launched on 11 March 2006 and is aimed at 4-9 year olds. It features a range of content including entertainment, comedy and animation with original commissions making up around a third of its output.