A British Jewish novelist is to write a new episode of Doctor Who to be screened next year.

Neil Gaiman is not new to the sci-fi series, having written the 2011 episode "The Doctor's Wife". Earlier this week the episode was named best dramatic presentation at the Hugo awards, science fiction's most prestigious awards ceremony.

Mr Gaiman, who as a child commuted from his home in East Grinstead to north London for weekly barmitzvah classes, has enjoyed critical success for his fiction and his graphic novel series The Sandman.

Last year it was announced that US network HBO was developing a television adaptation of his bestselling gothic novel American Gods. Two of his other books, Stardust and Coraline, have ben made into films.