The Chancellor pledged to keep Wallace & Gromit exactly where they are as he unveiled a film industry-style tax break to encourage development in the animation and video game sectors.

Aardman Animations, which makes the successful animation series, has along with other animators been calling for the Treasury to give a tax relief to support UK production, at an estimated direct cost to the exchequer of £17 million a year.

Animation is a £300 million-a-year industry that employs 4,700 people directly.

Mr Osborne said the incentive would also apply to successful telelvision shows.

He said: “I am announcing our intention to introduce similar schemes for the video games, animation and high-end TV production industries.

“Not only will this help stop premium British TV programmes like Birdsong being made abroad, it will also attract top international investors like Disney and HBO to make more of their premium shows in the UK.

“It will support our brilliant video games and animation industries too.”

Dr David Hardman MBE, chief executive of Birmingham Science Park Aston, welcomed the incentives.

He said: “I am pleased the Chancellor kicked off his Budget speech with a vow to support the creative industries and science. The growth of the knowledge economy is critical to the strength and vitality of UK plc. High-growth digital technology companies are the types of businesses that are - and will continue to - differentiate the UK from the rest of the world, creating well-paying, stimulating jobs.

“Tax credits for video gaming companies will be welcomed by established firms, but the Government must mirror this with real support for start-ups.”