NEWS FROM DISNEY XD

The World’s Biggest Keepy-Uppy

Disney XD sets its sights on World record for largest number of people taking part in a video game

London: Hundreds of kids will (today) come together to form a giant ‘human joystick’ in an attempt to set a new world record with the biggest ever game of virtual keepy-uppy. The challenge is part of the launch of Disney XD, the UK’s first primarily boy-focused TV channel for kids, which debuts in the UK on 31st August.

Former England and Liverpool football star and gaming fan, Jamie Redknapp, is leading the bid to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

The game uses cutting edge motion sensor technology and will see kids from across the country collectively heading a virtual football for as long as possible without it dropping.

Set at the Parklife site on Oxford Street, a giant television screen and live detection webcam will be connected to a series of computers that will track each kid’s movement. The crowd’s collective actions will control a single game character and hopefully keep a header-rally going.

As a first in the field, Guinness World Records will be at the event to monitor the attempt and award the World Record certificate if they are successful!

Jamie Redknapp, says: “I’m really pleased to be involved in this activity – it’s so important that kids get the opportunity to experience new things and being part of setting a World Record is a great achievement!”

Jonathan Boseley, Vice President, Programming for Disney XD comments: “We’re really excited to add a World Record attempt in video gaming to our series of challenges designed to inspire kids to get them to try new activities. Gaming is a huge part of the lives of our audience – blend that with football and an opportunity to set a record and you have the perfect combination.”

Jamie’s challenge is the latest in a series which Disney XD is setting for UK personalities to help inspire kids to try new activities. It follows an impromptu dance extravaganza with Britain’s Got Talent winners, Diversity, and champion skateboarder Pete King’s bid to ‘Skate Britain’ in just 5 days.

The new channel will be home to an array of action packed programmes including new live action series Aaron Stone and Zeke & Luther, Disney’s number one animated hit* “Phineas and Ferb,” the UK’s most watched kids’ programme of 2008** “Suite Life of Zack and Cody”, and Marvel’s brand new animated series, “Iron Man: Armoured Adventures.”

DisneyXD.co.uk is launching alongside the Disney XD channel – a fun online site providing a whole host of games and exclusive video clips.

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For further information please contact Frank PR
on 0207 693 6999 or e-mail Disney@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors:

About Disney XD:

Disney XD is a new TV channel and multi-platform brand that showcases a compelling mix of live action and animated programming for kids aged 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humour. Disney XD branded content spans television, online and VOD platforms. The programming line-up includes series, movies and short-form content.

Disney XD Series Synopses

“Aaron Stone” is an original live-action, single camera adventure series about Charlie Landers, a teenager who's enlisted to become the real-life version of a crime-fighting online game character. Starring are Kelly Blatz, David Lambert, JP Manoux (“ER”, Disney Channel's “The Emperor's New School” and “Phil of the Future”) and Tania Gunadi (Disney Channel's “Pixel Perfect” and “Go Figure”). The creator and executive producer is Bruce Kalish (Disney Channel's “The Famous Jett Jackson”) and executive producer is Suzanne French (“Overruled!” and “Life with Derek”).

“Phineas and Ferb” is a 2D animated comedy that tells the story of ingenious Phineas Flynn and his resourceful stepbrother, Ferb Fletcher, who happily set out to conquer boredom and make every day of their summer vacation count. Throughout the escapades, they're accompanied by Perry the Platypus, who has a double life as suave secret Agent P and who battles the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz to save the world. It was created and is executive-produced by Dan Povenmire (“Family Guy”) and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (“Rocko's Modern Life”, “The Simpsons”) and is a production of Walt Disney Television Animation.

“Suite Life of Zack and Cody” is a live-action comedy series tracks the antics of twin 14-year-old boys, Zack and Cody, whose single mom Carey gets a job as headlining singer at an upscale hotel in Boston and, as part of her contract, an upper floor suite where they all live. The series was created and is executive-produced by Danny Kallis (“Who’s the Boss?”, “Smart Guy”).
“Kid vs. Kat” is an animated comedy series about a space alien disguised as a cat and stranded on Earth. When a boy named Coop Burtonburger's spoiled little sister, Millie, discovers the cat and brings him home, chaos ensues. The series was created by Rob Boutilier and is produced by Studio B Productions.

“Iron Man:Armoured Adventures” is a 3D CGI animated series based on the Marvel Comics' superhero Iron Man. The series follows the adventures of teenage child prodigy Tony Stark, and his alter ego of Iron Man, as he uses his technological inventions to stop villains such as Mandarin, Mr. Fix, and Iron Monger. The series is story edited by Christopher Yost, who also worked on “Wolverine” and the “X-Men”, and numerous other Marvel Animation projects.

“Zeke and Luther” live action comedy series about two 15 year old best friends who will stop at nothing to become world famous skateboarders.

NEWS FROM FILA

Fila give The Firm an Iconic Fashion Edge

Italian sportswear brand Fila has re-released the legendary Terrinda tracksuit, which features extensively in the upcoming Nick Love remake of the 1989 cult film, The Firm. The inclusion of Terrinda within The Firm celebrates the history of a true iconic sportswear brand that was adopted by the 80’s casual culture, and introduces it to a new audience of future Fila collectors.


“The Terrinda was, and still is, the last word in elite casual sports wear – to make The Firm without key characters wearing Terrindas would be criminal.”
Nick Love

Seen as the Holy Grail for Fila collectors, original Terrinda pieces regularly command over £1,000 on eBay – but the special edition 2009 Fila release will be available at the original 1982 price of £150. This re-release comes after three years of behind the scenes work by Fila’s design team to recreate the original unique fabric, ensuring utter authenticity to the brand heritage. The Terrinda release also allows new Fila fans to become collectors by grabbing a slice of fashion history.

The Firm is focused on the UK football casual culture of the 80’s, where rival gangs, known as firms, and their members described as ‘casuals’, wore brightly coloured sportswear and designer clothing as uniforms. The plot centres on an aspiring casual, who gets drawn into the charismatic but dangerous world of the firm's leader. Paul Anderson and Calum MacNab feature in the film (both previously starred in The Football Factory) along with upcoming actor Daniel Mays (who recently appeared in Shifty). The Firm is out for general release nationwide in September 2009.

For all PR enquiries, samples and high res images contact
Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or filateam@frankpr.it


Notes to the editor:

The Firm official release 25th September 2009

www.thefirm84.com

NEWS FROM ROWNTREE'S

The ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship 2009

A tiny village in Wales is set to be inundated with visitors from across the globe over the August bank holiday, as participants prepare to dive into the unknown at the World Bog Snorkelling Championship 2009, sponsored by ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS®.


After 25 years of cultivating the muddiest bog in the UK, the dirtiest water sport of the year will descend upon Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales from 11am on Monday 31st August. The ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship marks the launch of the newest sweet from ROWNTREE’S and looks set to ensure that daredevils from across the world have a ‘bog-tastic’ bank holiday!

Not for the faint-hearted, the ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship will involve two 60 yard trenches, dug deep into a peat bog. Each contestant will ‘swim’ two lengths (120 yards) of the bog, using a non-recognised swimming stroke armed with only a pair of ‘bog-gles’, flippers and a snorkel in a bid to finish first. Up to 200 fearless competitors will be fighting it out over the 120 yards to be crowned:



· Fastest male

· Fastest female

· Fastest local

· Fastest junior

· Fastest local junior

· Best fancy dress – taking to the swamp in the craziest attire imaginable!



The ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship is open to anyone over the age of 14 who is brave enough to ‘let their random side out’ and immerse themselves in the bog to take on the World Record which was last broken in 2007 when Joanne Pitchforth recorded a ‘bog-tastic’ time of one minute 35.18 seconds.

Cheryl Allen, ROWNTREE’S® Brand Manager said “We’re looking forward to seeing as many people as possible letting their random side out™ this bank holiday and hope this year’s ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship will be the most successful ever! This is the second in a selection of wonderfully random events ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® is sponsoring, so keep an eye out for the next one later this year.”

Sheelagh Tomkins, organiser of the World Bog Snorkelling Championship said “This event attracts a range of characters looking for a real laugh this summer. We are delighted that Rowntree’s Randoms® is on board and anticipate that this is going to be the funniest – and messiest year yet! If you would like to enter simply log on to www.green-events.co.uk , search for World Bog Snorkelling and click register.”

For more information on the ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship go to www.green-events.co.uk and search for World Bog Snorkelling.

Ends

Contact

For more information, please call Frank PR on 020 7693 6999 or email rowntrees@frankpr.it



Notes to Editors

The ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS ® World Bog Snorkelling Championship

ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS ® is the confirmed title sponsor for the 2009 ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship, taking place on 31st August near Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales.



ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS ®

Available from all good supermarkets and confectioners in 50g bags, with an RRP of 39p

ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® join other members of the ROWNTREE’s family including Fruit Pastilles, Fruit Gums, Jelly Tots and Tooty Frooties

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

Battle of the Bulge

Alton Towers Resort bans tight trunks after scorcher of a weekend

After a sudden increase in temperature over the weekend, team members at the Alton Towers Resort noticed that a number of men visiting the waterpark were wearing tight swimming attire more suited to Spain than Staffordshire. To prevent embarrassment amongst fellow members of the public and to maintain the family friendly atmosphere at the Resort, bosses have taken the extreme measure of banning these tight trunks, which are favoured by celebrities such as Ronaldo and Rod Stewart, from their popular water park located within the Splash Landings Hotel.

While women may hail the return of the skimpy bathers, the style itself is not deemed public or family friendly, and therefore the UK’s No 1 Resort is requesting that male swimmers wear more appropriate styles such as boardshorts. The Resort is also considering introducing mandatory bikini waxing for men, in a bid to prevent unsightly hair from being on display, should the heatwave continue

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director for the Alton Towers Resort said “Our Waterpark team observed an increase in the number of men wearing tighter trunk style swimwear whilst enjoying the tropical temperatures at the Alton Towers Resort waterpark. We feel this small brief style is not appropriate for a family venue so we are advising male bathers to wear more protective swimwear such as shorts. We are also looking into offering complimentary male waxing, which will ensure preserve the dignity of all our guests.”

The Alton Towers Resort, part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, is home to the UK's best loved theme park with 2 hotels, a waterpark, a spa, an extraordinary golf course, and nineteenth century gothic towers. It is located in 500 acres of Staffordshire countryside and offers a unique combination of rides and attractions for all ages, from soft play areas for tiny toddlers to ground-breaking, world-first adrenalin inducing rollercoaster rides.
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For further information please contact:

Frank PR
Tel: 020 7693 6999
altontowers@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:

o Alton Towers Theme Park voted Consumers Favourite UK Theme Park Attraction – British Travel Awards 2007

o THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second biggest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 58 attractions and 6 hotels in 12 countries, and on 3 continents around the world. Merlin aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 33 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND, The London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Earth Explorer and The Pepsi Globe. Merlin is owned by The Blackstone Group, the global investment and advisory firm.

NEWS FROM BENNETTS

Bikers in the Buff!

Bennetts uncovers the ‘naked’ truth on the roads

Over two thirds (41 per cent) of British bikers have ridden ‘commando’ according to research revealed today by Bennetts, the UK’s number one for bike insurance*. Having surveyed the nation’s bikers finding out what (or not!) the motorcyclists wear under their leathers, Bennetts can reveal the ‘naked’ truth of what really lies beneath the average biker.

In addition to the staggering 41 per cent of motorcyclists found to wear nothing between them and their leathers, the results prove ‘less is best’ as half of bikers (50 per cent) questioned have ridden around with only underwear under their biking gear. Whether sporting a pair of poker dot pants or old-fashioned y-fronts, the research from Bennetts reflects the lengths British bikers go to in order to experience the ultimate high whilst out on the roads!

Being too lazy to get dressed, one in 20 (five per cent) of bikers actually admit to having ridden around in their pyjamas. However, the ‘knight riders’ actually seem relatively normal in comparison to the four per cent of two-wheeled travellers who have chosen to wear fancy dress beneath their riding gear!

Hannah Squirrell, Director of Marketing for Bennetts said, “It’s entertaining to see that so many bikers choose to ride with minimal (or even no) clothing whilst out on the roads! With our ‘bbq’ summer coming to a close, perhaps riders looking to stay cool will start layering up. Leathers are obviously a must have for bikers trying to keep safe but hopefully scooter riders won’t start following suit and going commando too!”

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For further information please contact:
Frank PR on 020 7693 6999 or email bennetts@frankpr.it

* Based on brand tracking research in April 2009


Notes to editors

Bennetts is a trading name of BISL Limited, Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6YS. Registered in England No. 3231094.


BISL Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.


Terms and Conditions



THE BACKGROUND TO BENNETTS

· Bennetts was established in Coventry by the Bennetts family in 1930 to provide insurance services to people throughout the West Midlands.



· In the early 1980’s Bennetts decided to devise a number of specialist insurance schemes that would meet the needs of different types of biker. These schemes are constantly reviewed to give bikers the exact cover they need.



· In 2000 Bennetts was the first motorcycle insurance specialist to offer the ability to buy insurance online, through its website, www.bennetts.co.uk.



· In October 2001, the Bennetts brand was acquired by the BGL Group (formerly the Budget Group of Companies), through its purchase of the Dial Direct Group, a major UK car insurance intermediary.



· The BGL Group was established in 1992, and has grown to be the UK’s third largest personal lines insurance intermediary, through a combination of organic growth and a series of major strategic acquisitions.



· The BGL Group now arranges and administers insurance for around 2.3 million customers with more than £600million GWP. It has contact centre operations in Peterborough, Coventry, Sunderland, Peterlee and Cape Town, South Africa. It currently employs over 2000 people and its head office is in Peterborough.



· In May 2003, Bennetts unveiled its new brand identity to the industry.



· Bennetts became personal sponsor of former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson in May 2003.



· In April 2009 independent brand tracking research identified Bennetts as the UK’s number one brand for motorcycle insurance.



· In January 2005, Bennetts signed the biggest sponsorship deal in the history of the brand by becoming title sponsor of the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship. Bennetts continued its sponsorship of the British Superbike Championship in 2006, 2007 and 2008.



· In June 2007, Bennetts became official series sponsor of the World Superbike Championship for the remainder of the 2007 championship and for the whole of the 2008 championship.



· Bennetts is personal sponsor of Moto GP contender and former World Superbike Champion James Toseland since July 2007.

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

“NO-MONEYMOON”

UK hotel chain launches recession-busting
£58 honeymoon deal

You’ve heard of the 99p wedding dress and £100 reception? Now a hotel chain is launching a recession-busting £58 honeymoon package to give couples an affordable getaway after their big day.

The £58 ‘Moneymoon’ deal from Britain’s biggest hotel chain Premier Inn will save couples over three grand when compared to the average £3,2201 reportedly spent on honeymoon by UK newlyweds.

The move comes as 73%2 of newlyweds revealed they are stressed about the cost of their post-wedding break; with 52%2 planning to shun a honeymoon altogether this year in order to save money on their nuptials.

The credit crunch busting package is being offered at 9 Premier Inn locations3 across the UK and will include:

• Two nights’ stay for a newly-married couple, including dinner, bed and breakfast
• Rose petals for the luxury Hypnos bed (one of the bedmakers used by The Queen)
• Bottle of Sparkling Wine
• Strawberries and luxury chocolates
• Spa hamper
• Glamorous nightwear
• Cut-price deals on selected sightseeing trips and excursions

Premier Inn spokesperson Steve Conway says, “Our package will give newlyweds an enjoyable and romantic break that won’t break the bank.”

-2-

Married couple Gemma and Chris Brooks from Clapham say they are really interested in the package.

Married in June 2009, they had previously not taken a honeymoon due to costs and work pressures. Gemma says, “We spent around £15,000 on a beautiful wedding day for our friends and family but it left us with no time or money to enjoy a break for ourselves. We’re looking forward to having a belated honeymoon.”

To find out more on the Moneymoon package, bookings for which are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis in August and September 20095, couples should email pi.honeymoon@premierinn.com to enquire about a booking.

Steve Conway adds, “We hope newlyweds can put the money they save to good use.”

For those looking for a great value break, and not on honeymoon, Premier Inn offers rooms from £29. For further information go to www.premierinn.com

-ends-


Notes to Editors

1. Source: You and Your Wedding magazine, 2009
2. Independent poll conducted by Tickbox for Premier Inn, August 2009
3. Locations selected based on Reader’s Digest’s The most amazing places to visit in Britain, see details in appendix
4. Case study available for interview; images available
5. See terms and conditions in appendix

About Premier Inn

Award winning Premier Inn, is the UK’s biggest and fastest-growing hotel brand with 578 budget hotels and more than 40,000 rooms across the UK. Rooms are available from just £29. Premier Inn bedrooms feature an en-suite bathroom, TV, and internet access for business guests. Premier Inn offers customers a ‘Good Night Guarantee’ of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service, which is unique amongst Britain’s leading hotel chains.

Premier Inn was the first Britain-wide hotel group to sign up with national tourist board VisitBritain; this means Premier Inn is now part of a new quality assessment scheme, specially created for budget accommodation.

In 2008 Premier Inn launched in Dubai and will be opening in India later this year. On a domestic front, Premier Inn is set to be the largest provide of budget hotels in London by the 2012 Olympics.


APPENDIX

Terms and conditions for Premier Inn Moneymoon
1. The offer is open on a first-come, first-served basis to couples married after June 2009 for a minimum 2 night stay. Couples must show their marriage / civil partnership certificate to redeem the offer.
2. Offer must be booked 15 days in advance.
3. Bookings can only be made online via pi.honeymoon@premierinn.com
4. Payment is to be made at the time of booking and is non-refundable and bookings are not amendable.
5. The offer is only available at 9 selected Premier Inn hotels, on selected dates and subject to availability, with two Moneymoons available at each of the 9 hotels.
6. Each Moneymoon will include: two night’s stay at Premier Inn hotel for two people in a double room; main dinner meal with one glass of wine per person (from the on-site Premier Inn or Whitbread restaurant) for two people on each of the two nights stayed to value of £50 per meal per night, all-you-can-eat breakfast for two people on each two mornings (from the on-site Premier Inn or Whitbread restaurant). Plus, the following (or items of equivalent value) on arrival only: complimentary bottle of Asda sparkling wine, Asda Extra Special chocolates, rose petals for the bed, 454g punnet of Asda strawberries, a hamper of Boots spa treatments, men’s pyjamas and woman’s nightdress from Primark. The sightseeing offer is part of Premier Inn’s Days Out scheme (see premierinn.com)
7. Bookings can only be made up until September 30th 2009.
8. Stay must be redeemed by December 30th 2009.
9. The offer is only available to UK-resident married / civil partnership couples married after July 2009 aged 18 years and over.
10. Premier Inn has the right to amend or withdraw this offer without notice.
11. Must be booked 15 days in advance

NEWS FROM VIRGIN MEDIA

Film makers compete for £30,000 in short film competition
Kevin Spacey, Gemma Arterton and Noel Clarke to judge Virgin Media Shorts 2009

Twelve up-and-coming film makers are celebrating today as they prepare to hit the big screen after beating off stiff competition to make it to the Virgin Media Shorts 2009 short-list.

Now in its second year, Virgin Media Shorts provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for undiscovered film makers to see their work showcased to film fans across the country. The Grand Prize winner will win £30,000 funding and a chance to work with Virgin Media and the UK Film Council to make their next short film.

The lucky twelve finalists fought off competition from around 2,000 entrants and will now see their short films showcased to millions of people, on four screens – in cinema, on TV, on mobile phones and online. From September, the final twelve films will shown on over 214 cinema screens (not once, but for a whole year), on Virgin Media’s TV on demand, on Virgin1, on mobile phone by texting Virgin Media to 80150 and online on www.virginmediashorts.co.uk.

The finalists now face a nervous wait whilst this year’s judging panel, which includes Oscar-winning stage and screen actor Kevin Spacey, Bond girl Gemma Arterton and BAFTA Rising Star award winner Noel Clarke, join other professionals from the film industry to decide the 2009 winner.

Last year’s competition was won by London-based film makers Phil Sansom and Olly Williams for their short film The Black Hole and the duo are currently filming their next film with funding from the competition. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of the Londoners, this year’s finalists are;

• Making the Difference, Andrew Oxley & David Williams from Exeter
• She Farted & Created The World, Scott Coello from St Austell, Cornwall
• Stalking Ben Chadz, Daniel Castella from XX, south-west London
• Mixtape, Luke Snellin from west London
• Smooth Line, Declan Taafe from east London
• Hiccup, Derville Quigley from Belfast
• Three Little Words, Ed Lilly from Manchester
• Grief, Darren Conway from Lancaster
• The Transaction, Tim Key from east London
• CGI-Brows, Andrew Gaynord from Leeds
• Ceci N'est Pas Une Mouche, Carlos Fraiha from Middlesex
• Gunslingers, Regan Hall from south-west London

The winners will be announced at the glitzy awards ceremony in central London on 22nd September 2009. In addition to the Grand Prize winner, the People’s Choice Award will be announced, and for the first time, a Mobile Shorts Award will also be unveiled - a brand new award for the best film made on a mobile phone.

Ashley Stockwell, executive director of brand and marketing at Virgin Media said: “The calibre of entries to the Virgin Media Shorts awards has been outstanding and we're delighted to have the support of Kevin Spacey, Gemma Arterton, Noel Clarke and the rest of the judging panel to take on the difficult task of picking a winner. Virgin Media is really proud, for the second year running, to be able to give up-and-coming film talent the opportunity to have their work showcased to millions of film fans across the UK, and we wish all twelve finalists the very best of luck.”

All entries are available for anyone to view and review online, giving any budding film critics the chance to rate and comment on each short film. To see all the short-listed films and to vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award, simply log onto www.virginmediashorts.co.uk.

-Ends-

Media Contacts
Verity Henderson, Virgin Media – verity.henderson@virginmedia.co.uk , 0207 299 5712
Sophie Smallwood, Frank PR - sophiesmallwood@frankpr.it , 0207 693 6999

Notes to Editors
About Virgin Media
With almost 10 million customers, Virgin Media is the UK's first quad-play provider of broadband, TV, phone and mobile.

The company is one of the largest residential broadband providers in the UK, using a unique fibre optic cable network to deliver next generation ultrafast internet access of up to 50Mb to just over half of all homes. Combined with a high speed ADSL service and mobile broadband products, Virgin Media is able to offer broadband internet access to virtually the entire country.

Virgin Media has the UK’s most advanced TV on demand service and is the only TV platform to carry BBC iPlayer. It is the second largest provider of pay TV, was the first to launch a high definition TV service and offers a high-specification, HD-ready V+ personal video recorder.

The company operates the most popular virtual mobile network in the UK which, when launched, was the world’s first such mobile phone service. It is also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the country.

Virgin Media also owns Virgin Media Television (VMtv) which runs seven entertainment channels, including Virgin1, LIVING, Bravo and Challenge. VMtv is a 50 per cent joint partner with BBC Worldwide in UKTV, which consists of ten channels including Dave, G.O.L.D., Watch and Alibi.

With operations based entirely in the UK, Virgin Media Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (VMED).

For more information, go to www.virginmedia.com


.

NEWS FROM BEATBULLYING

Truth of Sexting Among UK Teens
Leading children’s charity Beatbullying uncovers true extent of ‘sexting’ amongst UK teens

August 4, 2009 – 'Sexting', the sending of sexually explicit messages via text and email, has hit British schools with over a third (38%) of UK under 18s receiving an offensive sexual image via text or email.
These findings form part of ground breaking research on sexting from Beatbullying, the UK's leading bullying prevention charity.
It uncovers that bullying is escalating at an alarming rate with digital innovations.

Common ‘sexts’ include images of young boys exposing themselves, boys who have requested girls to remove their clothing and images taken by the girls to send to boyfriends and images of sexual acts.

Material is often Bluetoothed, added to home built websites, uploaded onto social networking groups and issued by emailed or text.

Cases of sexting have been well documented in the US and Australia, but little is known of young people’s exposure to sexting and other forms of sexual bullying via mobile phones and the internet.

Beatbullying’s research of 11-18 year-olds found that:

• 38% said they had received a sexually explicit text or email (male: 36% | female: 39%)

• 70% of young people knew the sender of the message

• 45% of messages were from a peer, 23% from a current boyfriend / girlfriend and just 2% from adults

• Of the 25% who received an offensive sexual image, 55% were issued via mobile phone

• 29% have been chatting online chat when someone started talking about sexual things (male: 24% | female: 31%)

• In this instance, 45% said the chat was instigated by a friend (peer), 10% by an ex-partner and 2% by an adult

These stats support Beatbullying’s work by providing further evidence to highlight that peer to peer anti-social / predatory behaviour is the biggest threat facing our young people today online and via mobile phones.

Emma –Jane Cross, chief executive of Beatbullying, said: “Beatbullying researched thousands of young people to understand how technology is changing the way they’re communicating and moderate how they’re manipulating these methods to bully and pressurise their peers.

“We don’t want to stifle young people’s sexual development but it is important that parents and schools understand the rise of sexting so together we can act to stop sexual bullying.

“The Byron report made a commitment to protecting our young people in this complicated new online era, the Government has a duty to ensure it meets these recommendations.

“We have seen the tragic consequence of the sexting epidemic in the US. To avoid similar cases here, politicians must pool together organisations like Beatbullying to create an intervention and prevention task force in schools and the local community.

“This needs to be part of the solution if we are to educate our young people about the consequences of their actions and how to keep safe online as well as offline.”

In a major step to tackle the cyber bullying epidemic head on, Beatbullying launched the world’s first peer mentoring social networking site www.cybermentors.org.uk in March 09. For the first time, a young person suffering at the hands of bullies both on and offline can seek immediate help and support from their peers.

Since its launch in March, over 150,000 young people have accessed Beatbullying’s CyberMentors website to seek help and support from their peers.

Definition of Sexting: A portmanteau of sex and texting, Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between mobile phones and/or the internet. Sexting is an extension of cyberbullying when someone, or a group of people, deliberately attempt to hurt, upset, threaten or humiliate someone else. This includes when a recipient is made to feel uncomfortable as a direct result of the content, or asked to do something which makes the recipient feel uncomfortable.

For more information, visit www.cybermentors.org.uk | www.beatbullying.org | 0845 338 5073

Or contact:

Frank PR | |0207 693 6999
Beatbullying - Sherry Adhami | sherry.adhami@beatbullying.org | 0781 400 4963

NEWS FROM CANCER RESEARCH UK

Workers from different professions launch Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k ‘Take 5 Challenge’

Cancer Research UK launched its Run 10k series yesterday with a group of men and women representing a range of different professions racing across London’s Millennium Bridge.

Wearing half running/half work outfits, including a policeman, builder, doctor, chef, fireman and barrister, the group were encouraging people to take part in the charity’s ‘Take 5 Challenge’ – five easy steps to help busy people improve their general heath and fitness and sign up to a Run 10k event this autumn.

Following research from the charity which showed that a quarter of Brits are spending more time at work compared to this time last year and that over half of those that are currently working (56 per cent) admit that work affects the level of exercise they do, Cancer Research UK has launched the ‘Take 5 Challenge’ to help redress work/life balance issues and provide great preparation for a Run 10k event. The ‘Take 5 Challenge’ easy-to-follow steps include tips on extra activity, stretching and hydration.

Birmingham City Football Club MD Karen Brady, who is backing the Take 5 Challenge comments, “"Encouraging a good work/life balance is crucial in keeping morale high and increasing motivation, commitment and engagement. Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k ‘Take 5 Challenge’, encourages people to incorporate health and fitness into their busy lives which is a great way for workers and their bosses to boost their sense of wellbeing. And by signing up to a Run 10k this year, people will be raising money for a fantastic cause at the same time. ”

With 43 events taking place across the UK this autumn, Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k series offers people the opportunity to feel good, do something positive and raise money to help fund the charity’s life saving work.. The charity hopes that 60 000 men and women will come together to raise just over £6million.

Cancer Research UK has worked closely with celebrity fitness expert Steve Halsall to create the step-by-step plans which can be viewed and downloaded at www.run10k.org/take5challenge. A plan for the less experienced jogger as well an in-depth plan for the more seasoned runner keen to beat their personal best can be downloaded from the site.

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For more press information or images please contact Frank PR on 020 7693 6999/0781 309 5242 or email cancerresearchuk@frankpr.it

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2030 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th - 22nd June 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About the Take 5 Challenge:

The Take 5 Challenge offers a Beginners Plan; available for the less-experienced runner, alongside an Advanced Plan for the more developed runner.
Each plan covers five easy steps to improve general health and well-being:
Commitment
Stretching
Mobility
Hydration
Attitude
To view or download the Take 5 Challenge Plans visit www.run10k.org/take5challenge

About Run 10K:

Run 10k for Cancer Research UK, supported by Tesco, is a series of 43events held in stunning and unique locations through the UK this autumn.
This year we hope 60,000 men and women will come together to raise just over £6m to help fund Cancer Research UK’s life saving work.
• For further information about the Run 10K series or details of event locations please visit www.run10k.org

About Cancer Research UK:

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.
The charity’s groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has saved millions of lives. This work is funded entirely by the public.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates double in the last thirty years.
Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,500 scientists, doctors and nurses.
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121 6699 or visit

www.cancerresearchuk.org.