Ben Elton writing new BBC sitcom

Comedian Ben Elton has written a pilot for a new sitcom set in the world of local government.

Slings and Arrows was commissioned by BBC One's Danny Cohen.

It stars David Haig as the "exasperated" manager of a local council's Health and Safety department.

Executive editor Gregor Sharp said he was "delighted" to bring Elton's "brilliant writing together with David Haig's superb comedy talents". "I can't wait to see it," he added.

Other cast members include Ashes To Ashes star Montserrat Lombard and The Thin Blue Line's Mina Anwar.

Elton, who first found fame as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s, has written novels, musicals and television shows including The Youngs Ones and Blackadder, with Richard Curtis.

His most recent sitcom was the short-lived Blessed, starring Ardal O'Hanlon, which aired in 2005.

Elton's Queen musical We Will Rock You has played around the world and recently marked its tenth anniversary in London.