If you happen to be in the West Country today, listen carefully for the sound of corks popping. In Bristol, home of the Aardman animation studios, Nick Park, the multi-Oscar- winning creator of Creature Comforts and Wallace and Gromit, is celebrating his 50th birthday. We’re sure it’ll be an animated affair, and everyone will get well and truly Plasticined.

Having recently met the man, I can say that he is every bit as self-effacing and modest as he appears on a South Bank Show that was devoted to him. Here you can see part one of this fascinating documentary, the early highlight of which is a Plasticine Melvyn Bragg whose hair manages to be more animated than the real thing.

Park’s individual style has garnered him admirers the world over. The French, who know a bit of craftsmanship when they see one, didn’t waste any time in putting Wallace and Gromit to the services of the local motor industry, in an advertisement for the Renault Kangoo.

The Japanese, meanwhile, had plans of their own, sending our man and his dog back to the Moon to advertise a Glico milk pudding. Back in Blighty, the pair’s well-known liking for the simple things of British life has led to them being pressed into service for PG Tips and Jacob’s Cream Crackers. Their return to the BBC in a new half-hour special on Boxing Day will be heralded by a set of themed BBC One trailers.

Keep an eye peeled on YouTube in case you miss any.

Strange to report that the peculiar Britishness of Wallace and Gromit doesn’t seem to travel so well to the United States. Here, Creature Comforts, the series where animated creatures discuss the issues of the day using real people’s voices, has performed far better, and a local version using American voices has been created. For a flavour of just how well it works, take a look at this pre-election discussion. You’ve got to love that tortoise.

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