Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle return in '˜new' Beatrix Potter tale

The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots is the story of a “serious, well-behaved young black cat, who leads a daring double life defeating vile villains.”

Potter had sent the story to her publisher in 1914, but was only rediscovered when publisher Jo Hanks found a reference to it in an out-of-print Potter biography.

Three manuscripts were then found in the Victoria and Albert Museum archive,accompanied by sketches of Kitty-in-Boots and villain Mr Tod, as well as a dummy version of the book, with some of the manuscript already laid out.

Letters written by Potter were also found in the archive, explaining that the story was unfinished due to “interruptions” - including the First World War, illness, and her marriage.

Penguin commissioned Quentin Blake, best known for his work with Roald Dahl, to illustrate the story.

Ms Hanks said: “The tale really is the best of Beatrix Potter - it has double identities, colourful villains and a number of favourite characters from other tales, including Mr Tod, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Ribby and Tabitha Twitchit.

“And, most excitingly, our treasured, mischievous Peter Rabbit makes an appearance - albeit older, slower and portlier!”

The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots will be published in September, by Frederick Warne & Co, Potter’s original publisher. 2016 marks the 150th anniversary of Potter’s birth.