Long-lost Disney film Sleigh Bells

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A long-lost Walt Disney animated film has been discovered in a British archive and will be screened for the first time in 87 years
The forgotten six-minute film, titled Sleigh Bells, has not been seen since its original release in 1928, according to the BFI National Archive, where the sole surviving film print was discovered.

The film, which features an early precursor to Mickey Mouse, has been restored with the help of Walt Disney Animation Studios and will have its world premiere in London on December 12.

"What a joyful treat to discover a long-lost Walt Disney film in the BFI National Archive and to be able to show Sleigh Bells to a whole new audience 87 years after it was made," BFI National Archive head curator Robin Baker said.

The short film features the first ever Disney character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a long-eared forerunner of Mickey Mouse.

Oswald was created in 1927 and "loved for his mischievous and rebellious personality", according to the BFI National Archive.

The animation in Sleigh Bells is the work of Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, who created the Oswald films for Universal and, following a contractual dispute, went on to create Mickey Mouse.

PHOTO: Oswald, a character who predates even Mickey Mouse, will be on display in London on December 12.[size=0.9167em](Supplied)

The film was rediscovered by a researcher who was looking through the online catalogue of the BFI National Archive, which is one of the world's largest film collections.

Mr Baker said the film could introduce new audiences to "the vitality and imagination" of Walt Disney's creations during his early silent period.

Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein indicated there could be more lost Disney films yet to be discovered.

"The Oswald shorts are an important part of our studios' history, and we have been working with film archives and private collectors all around the world to research the missing titles," Mr Millstein said.