One of the nation’s favourite public information films – Joe and Petunia – has been given a 21st Century makeover. The animated characters first appeared on our screens in 1968 urging people to dial HM Coastguard on 999 for coastal emergencies.

The Central Office of Information (COI) has rescued the film from the archives on behalf of the MCA to commemorate COI’s 60th anniversary.

The original film has been digitally re-mastered and its original features have been updated to reflect society today. Petunia – still voiced by Wendy Craig – is now listening to an iPod and reading a glossy gossip magazine. Joe’s knotted hanky has been swapped for a trendy check cap and he dials 999 from his mobile phone when they finally realise a man at sea needs help.

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