Curious George was a cartoon monkey on Forrest's shoulder talking ... comedy caper less than a decade earlier that incorporated an animated rabbit alongside the very real Bob Hoskins.

Since 2015, the Chinese animated film industry has seen unprecedented growth, expanding its influence into the global market.

A computer-generated monkey developed for schools could be used ... Early trials show pupils responded well to the cartoon-like avatar, with many excited to listen to what it had to say.