Our hero

He's a household name in more than 40 countries, a loving uncle, and what's more, he's a hero, having saved more lives than most people have had hot dinners. And he's coming to the New Theatre, Oxford on July 2.

Sitting in a central Oxford cafe, I feel strangely nervous as I await his arrival. How will I address him? Sir, firefighter, chief?

But then he's here - tall and striking in blue uniform and yellow helmet and striding towards me, beaming broadly.

"Uh, hello F,F,F...

"Call me Sam," he interjects, extending a large, now ungloved hand, and placing his helmet on the table.

Women around the cafe turn and stare. A small child chokes on a milkshake.

"Traffic's murder," he exclaims. "Bumper to bumper. You don't get this in Pontypandy - I've had to leave Jupiter on double yellows, so keep a look out for traffic wardens."

Jupiter is, of course, a bright red fire engine.

And my guest? None other than Fireman Sam, the brave and friendly hero next door, who started life on Welsh television and is now one of the world's most famous children's animation characters.

"So Sam," I say. "You're taking to the stage. What's all that about?"

"Can you believe it?" he replies."Me and the crew from Pontypandy touring theatres? We can hardly believe it either, but it's a cracking show and we think the kids are going to love it."

Slurping on his cappucino, he continues: "The show's called: Fireman Sam to the Rescue and basically it's set around a fun day in Pontypandy.

"Elvis (another firefighter) is in charge of the barbecue, Penny (part-time female firefighter) is doing her keep fit demonstration, and Dilys Price is providing the Hook a Duck Pool and Coconut Shies.

"Meanwhile, that naughty Norman Price and his friend Mandy are having lots of fun chasing Woolly, Norman's pet lamb, who keeps escaping.

"Then me and Jupiter are called out to a flood at Dilys shop.

"I have to rescue Norman's trapped hand, help catch Woolly and extinguish a fire and the question is: Will the fun day ever happen?"

"Exciting stuff", I say. "But surely you can sort it out, you're known for being cool and collected.

"Nice of you to say so," he smiles, pausing to autograph a customer's till receipt.

"But you'll have to come and see the show if you want the answer."

Fireman Sam's original title was Sam Tn, and came from two ex-firemen from Kent. They took their idea to Welsh TV, who saw the potential in the series and commissioned it.

The programme first aired on the BBC and S4C in 1986 and comprised of 32 episodes and a Christmas special.

A new series of Fireman Sam was produced in 2003, with 26 episodes, using up to date puppet-making, mouth movement and stop-motion animation techniques.

It features all the original characters, but adds some new characters: Tom Thomas, the Australian pilot of Wallaby One, the rescue helicopter and the Flood Family, as well as Dusty, a stray dog.

A phenomenal success, the series has since been sold to over 40 countries, from Australia to Poland.

"The New Theatre's going to be pretty packed backstage when everyone arrives from Pontypandy," I continue.

"Is everyone coming with you?"

"That's another surprise to look forward to," says Sam, ordering a bun and more coffee from the starstruck young waitress.

Still trying my luck, I ask: "So, Trevor Evans, the town bus driver and Dilys Price - are they ever going to get together?

Sam nearly chokes on his bun. "Debbie, please, this is a family show, not EastEnders!" But his eyes twinkle mischieviously.

Before I can ask him for his take on the firefighter's strike, he's saved by the bell, literally. His ears prick up at the sound of sirens.

"Rewley Road Fire Station," I tell him. "Just around the corner. Fine crew, always busy."

"Is that right?" he says, slipping his helmet on. "I've got a little time before rehearsals, maybe I'll get Jupiter and pop round and see if they need a hand."

As he sprints to the door, his theme tune sounds in my ears: "Fireman Sam, cause he's brave to the core, Sam is the hero next door."