David Walliams is to become a children's author after signing a two-book deal.

His first book, to be released next autumn, will be a ‘a humorous, classic tale that features an engaging boy hero’.

Publisher HarperCollins says the book, which has yet to be titled, will be aimed at eight to 12-year olds.

Walliams said: ‘I am thrilled to be writing a children’s book, and hope the story will be funny and thought-provoking.’

Ann-Janine Murgagh, of HarperCollins' children's book division, said: ‘I'm delighted to be publishing David Walliams' book and to bring this exceptional creative talent to the world of children's storytelling.

‘His playful wit and zestful imagination combine in a highly original story which I know children themselves will adore.’

Walliams is to play Frankie Howerd in a BBC Four drama about the comic's life, Rather You Than Me, next year.

He is not the first comic to turn to children’s publishing. Spike Milligan had a successful career in that field, and Ricky Gervais’s recent Flanimals series has also proved popular.