THE search is on for a Northern Ireland-based production company to create 20 episodes of Sesame Street with a northern twist. Sesame Work-shop, the group which produces all the various global brands of the famed children's TV show, is hoping to have the Irish shows, with two new Northern Ireland Muppets, on the air by the end of this year.

"Given the positive and wide-ranging developments that have taken place over the recent years, it's a tremendously exciting time to be working in Northern Ireland," said Gary E. Knell, president and CEO of Sesame Workshop.

"It's crucial to develop children's self-esteem, love of learning, openness and curiosity about others to better prepare them for a brighter future. We are proud and privileged, with our production partners from Northern Ireland, to have the opportunity to contribute to these objectives."

According to a press release, the Northern Irish-themed shows will present "engaging stories and characters keyed to the Foundation Stage of the new Northern Ireland curriculum." And favorite Muppets such as Elmo and Cookie Monster will also feature in the fun.

Sesame Workshop will be hiring and training local puppeteers and looking for local writers,

musicians and animators. The new and im-proved Reverend Ian Paisley, now the North's first minister, sure would make a cute and cuddly Muppet, don't you think!

The new series is being made in part through grants from the American Ireland Fund and the Northern Ireland Fund for Reconciliation.