The BBC has today launched a new way of accessing and keeping classic TV programmes including a number of comedies. The BBC Store enables fans to buy programmes from single episodes to boxed sets and retain them permanently.

The programmes available range from recently shows such as Peter Kay’s Car Share to favourites such as Blackadder, Absolutely Fabulous, Dad’s Army, Morecambe & Wise and Fawlty Towers to early shows such as Muffin the Mule. The process is similar to downloading from iPlayer and prices are similar to DVD prices. To coincide with the launch there is a 25% discount on anyone’s first purchase.

The site currently features around 7000 hours of content with much more to be added in the future. BBC iPlayer will continue to allow viewers to download programme free for 28 days.

The launch is a response to the growth of online viewing and streaming and the decline of DVD sales. The hope is that the BBC will make £1.2 billion out of BBC Store sales over the next five years.

Click here to go to the BBC Store.