The creator of Fireman Sam has said he "can't see" how the children's show has a stereotype problem and puts women off joining the service.

Helen Skelton is joining the cast of iconic children's TV series Fireman Sam as a new series launches this week.

Police have charged a 49-year-old man over allegations he posed as a firefighter to direct emergency services in a town devastated by the worst floods in 60 years.

Learn more about the full cast of Fireman Sam: Alien Alert with news, photos, videos and more at TV Guide ...

SuperTed and Fireman Sam started on S4C before being broadcast in English. "They would not have been made without subsidies," said Fireman Sam producer and SuperTed creator Mike Young.