Dr Who becomes rhyme lord of poetry

Doctor Who star Matt Smith is going from time lord to rhyme lord - by introducing poetry to a new generation.

The actor is to narrate a children's TV show designed to encourage the joys of literacy in youngsters.

Other names recruited for readings on Disney Junior's A Poem Is include Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams and Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery.

Matt, currently filming a third series as The Doctor for BBC1, will read Jack Prelutsky's Once They All Believed In Dragons.

He said: "I've always had an enthusiasm for poetry and creative writing, having studied it at university, and as an actor it is so vital to my art to have an understanding and appreciation for classic literature."

He will take part in the second series of A Poem Is, along with Twenty Twelve star Jessica Hynes and veteran actor Richard Briers.

Their words will be set to scenes from classic animations.

Matt said the series offered "a whole new generation of young minds a way of learning and sharing poetry, and the fact that it's set to some of the most iconic Disney animations just makes the whole experience so enjoyable".

The series begins on April 30 on Disney Junior UK at 5.25pm.