Bob the Builder could be banned from returning to Keighley -- by his own employers.

An investigation into a planned appearance by the TV favourite next weekend in a "tribute show" has been launched.

Hit Entertainment, which created the real Bob, says a children's show featuring the builder could be in breach of its copyright.

The company has already told bosses of Victoria Hall to halt publicity for the "Live Pantomime" show on April 20.

The Bob look-alike, along with several other children's characters, have walk-on parts in the stage production by Aberystwyth-based Carousel Entertain-ments.

The 3pm show is based around TV puppet Bear in the Big Blue House, and features clowning, sing-alongs, spot prizes and audience participation.

There are short appearances by Barney the pink dinosaur, Dennis the Menace and Mickey Mouse, as well as Bob.

Although tiny print on the flyer says the show is a "tribute", there are colour photographs of the real Barney and the official "live" Bob.

Thousands of families went along to see the official Bob when he visited Keighley last year to turn on the Christmas lights.

A spokesman for Bradford Council, which owns Victoria Hall, said the April 20 booking was made by a private hirer.

He added: "It is up to the hirer to obtain the necessary licences and permissions needed, and to pay any royalties due. We are contacting the hirer to investigate the situation."

Carousel spokesman Michael Houston was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Hit Entertainment says it is unable to comment until it has properly investigated the matter.