THE creator of hit children’s television show Bob the Builder grew up delivering this very newspaper.

‘Can we fix it? Yes we can!’ was the famous catchphrase of Bob the Builder and his machine team that first hit our television screens in the late 1990s.

The phrase is also the title of the programme’s theme song, which sold more than a million copies and topped the UK charts.

Keith Chapman, who was born and bred in Basildon, created the animated show.

Having been born in Basildon in 1958, Mr Chapman lived in the Kingswood area before moving to Plumberow, Lee Chapel North in 1964.

Mr Chapman attended Markhams Chase – now Janet Duke Junior School – carried out an Evening Echo paper round and also worked at a newsagents in Laindon Shopping Centre.

Mr Chapman, who left Basildon for Norfolk when his family opened a pub, spent three years at the Yarmouth College of Art and Design.

Having grown up delivering copies of the Evening Echo to households around south Essex, Mr Chapman made his breakthrough by creating Bob the Builder, which went on to become a children’s television favourite around the world.

Since its creation, the animated programme has been broadcast in more than 240 countries and 45 languages.

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Following the success, Mr Chapman set up his own business and produced Rory the Racing Car and Fifi and the Flowertots.

However, his company –Chapman Entertainment –went into administration in 2012 and was sold to Hit Entertainment.

Despite the setback, Keith Chapman Productions continues to be heavily involved in pre-school animation.

Mr Chapman, who now resides in Mexico, has seen latest productions Paw Patrol and Mega Machines enjoy success once again.