Monday 28 September 2009

NEWS FROM ACTIVISION



London Beefs Up Security

London can feel a little safer with the arrival of five very special individuals, the Marvel comic superheroes. Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thing and Human Torch took time out of their busy schedule to protect Londoners. The superheroes are in town to promote the new video game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 out 25th September 2009.

The new video game which is based on the Marvel Civil War storyline enables players to assemble a superhero dream team from more than 20 of Marvel’s most dynamic heroes including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Juggernaught and Thor. For the first time gamers can combine the powers of these fearsome characters to unlock over 250 astonishing new fusion attacks.

For further images and information please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999

NEWS FROM VIRGIN MEDIA


Nostalgia rules as Mixtape movie reigns supreme

Kevin Spacey, Gemma Arterton & Noel Clarke pick Virgin Media Shorts 2009 winner

Young film maker Luke Snellin was today crowned the winner of Virgin Media Shorts 2009 at an awards ceremony at the BFI on London’s Southbank. Luke’s short film, Mixtape, captures the innocence of young love and sees a boy create a compilation tape for a girl he likes. Attended by a host of big names including competition judge Noel Clarke and other famous faces from the world of film such as American actress Emma Roberts, Virgin Media Shorts shines a light on the best up and coming British film talent.

Luke was awarded the Grand Prize by host Johnny Vaughan at the awards ceremony where his film triumphed over more than 2,000 competition entries. His film was chosen from a short-list of 12 by a prestigious panel of film industry experts including Oscar-winning stage and screen actor Kevin Spacey, Bond girl Gemma Arterton and BAFTA Rising Star award winner Noel Clarke.

As the Grand Prize winner, Luke will receive £30,000 funding towards his next film from Virgin Media and the UK Film Council, as well as nationwide exposure to millions of people across the country. Each of the 12 short-listed films are currently being shown on over 200 cinema screens across the UK for a year, as well as on Virgin Media’s TV on demand service, on the Virgin1 channel, on mobile phone by texting Virgin Media to 80150 and online at www.virginmediashorts.co.uk.

23 year old Luke Snellin is an up and coming writer and director and Mixtape is his second short film which was created specifically for this year’s competition. The film features Son of Rambow star Bill Milner, Charlotte Beaumont and Kate Miles, in a drama involving a young boy who makes a tape from his dad’s 1970s vinyl collection in an attempt to try and woo the girl of his dreams, Lily, who lives next door.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award, as voted for by the public, was also announced at the ceremony. This prize was awarded to 26 year old Andrew Gaynord for his film CGI-Brows, which received 22 per cent of the vote. The ‘mockumentary’, from Leeds film maker Andrew, features an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into cinema's latest technological breakthrough, claimed to literally change the face of the motion picture industry.

For the first time, this year’s competition also featured a Mobile Shorts Award for the best film made on a mobile phone. This accolade went to 20 year old Michael Mann from Dining in Derbyshire for his film Rush 60. His film, inspired by a personal experience, sees a young man rushing to get from home to a student flat, only to realise he’s forgotten his keys.

Kevin Spacey commented, “I was once again hugely impressed with the quality and diversity of the 12 short-listed films in this year’s Virgin Media Shorts competition. It’s great to see so much new talent."

BAFTA Rising Star award winner Noel Clarke, who wrote Kidulthood and wrote and directed the sequel Adulthood said, “I always like to support young talent to keep the industry alive and vibrant and that’s exactly why I got involved in Virgin Media Shorts. The standard of entries was incredible and I loved Mixtape, simple yet perfectly executed.”

Gemma Arterton, star of Quantum of Solace and Tess of the D’Urbervilles said: "The quality of entries in this year's competition was really impressive. I'm sure Luke (Mixtape), Andrew (CGI-Brows) and all our short listed film makers have a bright future ahead of them and I look forward to our paths crossing in the future."

Film critic and broadcaster Jason Solomons commented: “Judging the many and varied talents on display was a pleasure and an adventure. The art of the short is hard to master but clearly there are plenty of British film makers out there who have their own, unique take on the best way to tell a story within such confines. It was fascinating to see the breadth of styles and stories. While the overall standard was impressive, three were truly remarkable and a couple just plain brilliant. Congratulations to Luke and those behind Mixtape – and to all who made the final selection - I look forward eagerly to seeing more of your work one day soon”

Dominic Eames, online content director at Virgin Media said “Mixtape conveys brilliant and effective storytelling, direction and performances. The perfect short film.”

Emma Clarke, senior executive in the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund commented on the Grand Prize winning film, Mixtape: “A smart, charming short with music and romance – what more can you want?”

15 year old Jordan Campbell, who won a competition to be on the Virgin Media judging panel, said “I’m over the moon that Mixtape won on the night as it was my favourite one out of the twelve! It has everything a good film should have, as it reminded of a Shane Meadows film and it was tinged with 80’s nostalgia.”

For more information about Virgin Media Shorts, visit www.virginmediashorts.co.uk.



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Media Contacts


Frank PR virginmedia@frankpr.it, 020 7693 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 HOVIS

‘Here’s to our soldiers’ this Autumn, with Hovis Seed Sensations

Help raise £100,000 for the Royal British Legion


Treat yourself to some Hovis Seed Sensations this Autumn and you’ll be helping to raise £100,000 for the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Hovis has chosen to support RBL because of its heritage for helping British servicemen and women. In 1941, Hovis provided a Spitfire plane to the RAF for its WW2 effort. The plane was named Hominis Vis, Latin for ‘the strength of man’ and the inspiration for Hovis’ brand name.

The Royal British Legion safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces. They are one of the UK’s largest membership organisations and recognised as custodians of Remembrance; also running the annual Poppy Appeal.

Hovis Seed Sensations is a premium range of great tasting bread and rolls from Britain’s most famous baker:

• Rich & Roasted Rolls / 800g loaf – bursting with the flavour of eight varieties of seeds, including 700 poppy seeds in every roll / 8,000 poppy seeds in every loaf

• Light & Nutty Loaf 800g loaf – crammed with six varieties of delicious seeds, including over 16,000 poppy seeds in every loaf (also available in 400g)

A donation will be made to the RBL Poppy Appeal for every special bag of Hovis Seed Sensations bread and rolls sold between 15th October and 15th November 2009.
Hovis Seed Sensations is sold in major supermarkets.
RRPs:
Light & Nutty 800g / Rich & Roasted 800g: £1.53
Light & Nutty 400g: £0.90
Rich & Roasted rolls: £1.29
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For more information, samples and pictures contact:
Frank PR
020 7693 6999
hovis@frankpr.it

NEWS FROM HOVIS



START YOUR DAY THE GOOD WAY
Hovis launches new range of Morning Goods

With today’s demanding lifestyles, it’s important to start the day with a nutritious breakfast - but finding something quick yet tasty that all the family enjoy can often be difficult. With this in mind, Hovis has today announced that it will be introducing a brand new, delicious range of ‘toasting’ products to its existing portfolio, including crumpets, pancakes, muffins and teacakes.

Research shows that 22% of the nation skips their morning meal*, yet a good breakfast provides an essential start to the day:

• Eating breakfast raises energy levels and can help avoid the dreaded ‘mid-morning’ slump
• Starting the day with a good breakfast helps to reduce snacking
• Research shows that people who eat breakfast tend to be slimmer
• Breakfast improves the ability to concentrate, making you more alert

Nutritionist Fiona Hunter agrees and said: “Breakfast is crucial because it provides the body and brain with fuel for the morning. Eating a balanced breakfast, such as a toasted muffin with peanut butter can help to control satiety levels, reduce sugar cravings and ensures our brain and body function efficiently, which in turn can enhance concentration throughout the day.”

Jennie Macindoe, Brand Manager at Hovis, said: “Hovis Morning Goods are designed for all the family. We developed the range in conjunction with our consumers – and they demanded that we made the softest muffin, the fluffiest pancake, the fruitiest teacake and the deepest crumpet. As the range has the Hovis name on, we also ensured all of our recipes were free from all artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.

For more information or samples, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or email hovis@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors:
• *Research conducted by Breakfast Information Service
• The Hovis Morning Goods range includes; Hovis Teacakes; Hovis Muffins; Hovis Pancakes; and Hovis Crumpets
• Available in nationwide Asda supermarkets from 22nd September 2009
• For further information on Hovis Morning Goods, go to the Hovis website www.hovisbakery.co.uk

Thursday 24 September 2009

NEWS FROM AVIVA



PARKING MAD
Insurer finds Britain’s ten worst car parking spaces

Ever needed a can opener to get out of a space, or three people to guide you safely out of a tight spot? Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer, has asked the public to nominate their worst car parking space, with the top ten being announced today.

Earning the dubious accolade of being the worst parking space in Britain is Alton Business Centre, Hampshire, nominated by budding entrepreneur Jamie Dickinson, 18, from Lower Froyle near Alton: “This truly is a nightmarish space,” admits Jamie. “Being sandwiched between two walls and the two other sides blocked by cars meant my car was cornered in and I was trapped after a meeting!”

From Aberdeen to Alton, Blackpool to Barnstaple, the British public has spent the last month nominating their nightmare spaces that make parallel parking preposterous and manoeuvring your motor into a tiny gap maddening.

Whether there’s a pillar in the way, a post preventing the door from opening or barely enough room to squeeze in Noddy’s car, parking has become hazardous - Aviva alone deals with more than 25,000 parking related claims annually, with an average cost of £1,400.*

It’s not just the spaces that are getting a bad name for themselves, airport car parks and hospitals are just as guilty, Gatwick’s short stay gets two votes, Stansted one vote, and three hospitals - University Hospital Llandough, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Western Park Hospital, Sheffield - across the UK getting nominated.

Another major concern for motorists was vandalism, with many accounts of intentional
damage being done to cars, with one gentleman being left with no wheels!

The most farcical space to be nominated can be found in Putney, next to the rowing club – if you park your car there, come high tide it will be washed away!

The Top Ten
Alton, Hampshire
Dying to get out of work? You might struggle at Alton Business Park. If you’re first in in the morning, you’ll definitely be the last out, with the UK’s number one worst car parking space having two sides surrounded by walls and the front and passenger sides blocked by fellow worker’s cars.

Soho, London
Parking is scarce in the Capital and you pay through the tooth for it, so you can imagine how happy one entrant was to find out that the only space left in Soho, Brewer Street was occupied by a concrete pillar and two pipes.

Brighton
A far cry from the sun, sea and sand of Brighton, Churchill car park is enough to rain on anyone’s parade. Nominated for its narrow bays, this car park is riddled with posts and barriers which prevent car doors from being opened. With three nominations Brighton was the UK’s most unpopular place to park.

Nottingham
Nicknamed by the locals as the ‘modern dungeon’ of Nottingham, Upper Parliament Street car park is known for being dark and dinghy. Huge concrete pillar after huge concrete pillar are used to mark out the spaces, where all they really do is scrape your car.

Blackpool
People come far and wide to see Blackpool’s illuminations but they are kept in the dark about the poor parking in some quarters. Drivers have to snake their way around West Street’s car park only to find spaces at confusing angles to each other and a low ceiling preventing your boot from opening.

Chesterfield
There’s nothing saintly about Vicar Lane car park in Chesterfield’s town centre. Many a
car has left their mark on this treacherously tight car park with paintwork covering the
walls and ramps.

Hertford
Shopping with your kids is a struggle at the best of times – maybe this space was designed with that in mind. Bircherley Green Shopping Centre’s mother & baby space is boxed in by barriers and a pillar to the extent that the doors can’t even open. Looks like no one is going shopping!

Hendon
On a busy road in the north of London, and directly opposite a bus stop is not the safest of places to park. You’ll be stopping traffic for all the wrong reasons when you try and parallel park into this roadside space.

Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
You’ll need some pretty adept parking skills and a fairly small car to negotiate around the ground floor of the Horsefair car park and its hefty wing-mirror threatening concrete posts. The space, just to the left of the entrance, is particularly bad - you'll be in there forever, if you manage to get in it in the first place - which is probably why it is often left empty!

Harrogate
Imagine having to climb out the boot to exit the car, well this is exactly what one entrant has to do in the Waitrose car park in Harrogate. The space is nestled so tightly between two other spaces that when the spaces are occupied, passengers can’t open the car doors.

David Tyers, director of insurance marketing at Aviva, said; “Some of us are better parkers than others, but sometimes the spaces we try and shoe-horn our cars into are so awkward that even the most experienced driver in the world would struggle.

“We thought we’d ask the pubic for their worst experiences and they’ve certainly come up with some priceless examples. People appear genuinely frustrated by some spaces that are on offer throughout the UK - not only are the bumps and scratches taking their toll on their paintwork, but the whole process appears more exhausting than ever!”

To guide nervous drivers into the most difficult spots, Aviva has employed special expert parkers who will be on hand in a number of the ten worst spots for the next two days.

The Guinness world record-breaking expert driver, Terry Grant, has compiled these top tips to help negotiate the "perfect park":

1. Stay calm and take your time. Don’t be rushed by any one queuing behind you, they will have to wait!
2. If the parking space is tight and you have passengers in the car, let them all out first. This means that you only need to worry about how you can get out of your door and not about all the passengers getting out as well.
3. Try and find a space that you can drive straight into. It’s the easy option!

Parking Mad Page 4 of 4

4. If you have someone with you who can get out of the car, ask them to get out and help you into the space.
5. If you have to reverse, look over your shoulder rather then using the mirror. This means when you look right/ left you will naturally turn the wheel in the direction you want to be going.

All of the top ten parking spots can be seen at www.aviva.co.uk/byebyebumps. Aviva is currently offering drivers 12 months car insurance for the price of ten.**

- Ends -

*Aviva claims statistics for 2008
** Available to new customers with 4 or more years no claims discount of up to 15%.

Contacts: For further information contact: Fiona Robinson, Frank PR on 0207 693 6959 or fiona@frankpr.it or Rebecca Homes, Aviva Press Office: 01603 685177/ 07800 690731 rebecca.l.holmes@aviva.co.uk

Images:
Available upon request are images of the top ten worst car parking spaces from: Frank PR on 0207 693 6959

Notes to Editors

Aviva, the international savings, investments and insurance group, is the world’s fifth largest insurance group, serving 50 million customers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

In the UK, Aviva is a leading provider of life, pensions, investment, general insurance and health products to more than 20 million customers. Aviva also provides roadside assistance through RAC. Products are distributed through a number of channels including IFAs, brokers, corporate partners and direct to customers via the internet.

Aviva's UK Insurance business has a market share of around 15%, making it the largest general insurer in the UK. The business is focused on insurance for individuals and small businesses.

Aviva's life and pensions business in the UK has a total market share of 12% and a top three position in its key markets of savings, protection, and annuities.

Aviva’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.

Friday 18 September 2009

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS


LOVE IS A ROLLERCOASTER
Alton Towers Resort launches the world’s fastest date

Adrenaline junkies tired of the old fashioned dinner date can rejoice today as the Alton Towers Resort announces it is launching a “speed dating” service across its Theme Park – hailed as the world’s fastest date.

Those looking for a spontaneous date with a difference will be able to enjoy the newest twist on conventional speed dating concept by making use of special ‘singles’ queue lines introduced to many of its big rollercoasters including Rita – Queen of Speed and Spinball Whizzer. Willing singles will be paired up at the ride entrance and enjoy a first date at speeds of up to 100kph with a force of 4.7G lasting just 49 seconds.

The move comes as research by DatingDirect.com predicts the demise of the traditional dinner date in favour of less conventional ways to impress. One in five (21 per cent) of its members actually admit to feeling less pressure and enjoying dates more when they know there is a set time limit.

The trend also reflects the rise of a more confident single who is looking for dates who share their own sense of adventure, fun and spontaneity.

Relationship expert and spokesperson for DatingDirect.com, Dr Cecilia d’Felice said, “Taking a theme park ride has all the qualities of going on that first date: excitement, uncertainty, novelty and of course, adrenaline. The combination of a high endorphin rush and the production of adrenaline brought on by rides makes for a heady mixture, which is perfect for the first date. The flow of these chemicals almost guarantees to increase levels of attraction between singles and put them in the mood for romance even after the ride is over.”

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director at the Alton Towers Resort said “We pride ourselves on offering our visitors the ultimate day out or short break, and have an amazing combination of adrenalin-inducing rides and attractions. We’re confident that combining such thrilling experiences with the added exhilaration of meeting a potential new partner will ensure the most memorable date ever!”

The pilot scheme will run throughout September. For the best ticket deals, visit www.altontowers.com

-Ends-

For further information and images, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 / 07946069051or email altontowers@frankpr.it



Notes to editors:



The Alton Towers Resort dating service will be open to those over 18 years old only
About Alton Towers

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

· The Alton Towers Hotel was voted Best UK Family Hotel by the Mother & Baby Magazine Survey, August 2007.

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

· 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 largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 58 attractions, 6 hotels and 2 holiday villages in 13 countries, across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 35 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13,500 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE including the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, the London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, Heide Park, and Earth Explorer

About DatingDirect.com

· DatingDirect.com, polled over 1,000 of its members about modern day dating in early 2009

NEWS FROM BLACKBERRY



BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONES BECOME THE HANDBAG ESSENTIAL FOR LONDON FASHION WEEK
New app from Viigo gives users access to official catwalk schedule, designer biographies, live news reports and Twitter streams on BlackBerry smartphones

One of the most anticipated events on the global fashion calendar, London Fashion Week, is this year being brought to visitors for the first time on BlackBerry® smartphones. As the official handset of London Fashion Week, BlackBerry smartphones are enabling the world’s fashionistas to access the catwalk schedule to ensure they know where to be and when, by simply downloading the London Fashion Week application by Viigo from www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/blackberry.

The bespoke application, developed by Viigo for the British Fashion Council, allows visitors to create their own personalised schedule, receive live updates if shows are running late and access official content from the London Fashion Week website whenever they need it, wherever they are.

The application also provides BlackBerry users inside access to designer information and biographies, LFW news and photo galleries, along with recommendations of the hottest restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels in town!

All BlackBerry smartphone users need to do is visit www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/blackberry and download the application. Not only will they find the catwalk schedule, the news and the photos but also the live LFW twitter streams and RSS feeds from all the top fashion websites.

- ends -

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.




For further information please contact:

Frank PR on blackberry@frankpr.it or 020 7693 6999

Gemma Ebelis or Kitty McGee @ the British Fashion Council on 020 7759 1999 or
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com / kitty.mcgee@britishfashioncouncil.com

Thursday 10 September 2009

NEWS FROM TIMBERLAND




Shoppers in London had a surprise today when they saw World Cup winning Rugby star Ben Cohen eyeing up his biggest challenge yet, a 60kg Canadian Wolf, in Timberland’s Regent Street Store window.

Later this month the lightning quick winger will take part in a unique 100m race pitting man against beast to launch the new Timberland Mountain Athletics range.

Featuring the strapline “If you’re not fast, you’re food” the forthcoming race draws its inspiration from Timberland’s latest TV advert which sees a trail runner outpace dangerous animals including a bear, a wild boar and pack of hungry wolves.

Timberland is also offering the public the opportunity to race against the wolf and can register their interest by logging onto the website www.fastorfood.co.uk

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

Friday 4 September 2009

NEWS FROM CASIO G-SHOCK



A Whole Lott of Promise…

Casio Announces Pixie Lott as the New Face of Baby G in the UK and Helps her Celebrate her European Album Launch in Style

After announcing Pixie Lott as the new face of Baby G, Casio is proud to be supporting the launch of her eagerly anticipated debut album, ‘Turn It Up’, this September.

Hailing from Brentwood, 18 year old Pixie is one of 2009’s most hotly tipped acts. With a number one already under her belt with her debut single ‘Mama Do’, 2009 is fast becoming the year of Pixie Lott! Pixie’s sound mixes R&B and retro influences and the result is both contemporary, and strikingly soulful, considering her young age.

To celebrate Pixie becoming the face of Baby G and the European release of her debut album, on 7th September 2009, Casio will be flying Pixie out to Berlin, on her own private Baby G jet, for an exclusive gig. She will then fly back to London for a second exclusive performance, at the HMV Forum.

Tim Gould, Head of Marketing for Casio UK, commented: ‘Pixie has become the standout star of 2009 and with her striking talent and elegant sense of style, she was the perfect choice to become the face of Casio’s iconic range of Baby G and G-Ms watches. We are excited to be able to support her album’s European launch and cannot wait to celebrate its imminent success with her on 7th September.’

Pixie is thrilled to be the new face of Baby G, adding: ‘I had the pink Baby G when I was in primary school, so I’ve been wearing them for years. They’re really funky. They do so many colours, which means you can match them with any outfit and they spice it up and make it look fresh. I think they’re special because they’re so girly and fun.’

With plans to dominate the charts for years to come, and a cool look that is sure to inspire girls the world over, Pixie is the perfect ambassador for Baby G – the toughest and prettiest range of watches available.

ENDS

For more information please contact the G-Shock press office at Frank PR on gshock@frankpr.it or call the team on 02076936999

Notes to Editors:

Pixie Lott’s debut album ‘Turn It Up’ is released on 7th September 2009.

NEWS FROM CROWN PAINTS

Solo®: Crown’s Best One!

Whether it’s beginner’s luck, a miracle, or just sheer talent, sometimes all it takes to achieve something incredible is just one attempt. From that seemingly impossible world record, to a number one single from a brand new singer, it seems that a fortuitous few have achieved their goals in just one go.

Crown knows that perfection is achievable on the very first attempt because their Solo® range of emulsions*, has been proven to give the best coverage in just one coat when independently tested against other leading brands.

To celebrate, Crown have compiled their top five ‘Best Ones’, which chart the most amazing feats achieved in just one attempt in recent years…

Crown’s Top Five Best Ones!

• Pixie Lott – number one with her debut single Mama Do
• Usain Bolt - first athlete to set world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m at just one Olympics
• Arvind Adiga – Winner of Man Booker Prize 2008 for The White Tiger after writing just one novel
• Jennifer Hudson – Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Dream Girls after appearing in just one film
• Peter Moule – first one to become a millionaire by appearing on TV’s entrepreneurial show Dragon’s Den

To achieve your own Crown ‘Best One’ at home this Bank Holiday, Crown Solo® is just what you need.

Crown Solo® is a godsend for those people who prefer change to be quick and easy. It literally cuts decorating time in half because the emulsions, glosses and satins are guaranteed to cover perfectly in just one coat.** It also has an extensive range of colours available across all the finishes that are suited to walls, wood or metal, so an entire project can be completed in one easy coat.

With Crown Solo®, a perfect finish really can be achieved in just one go!


*When independently tested to ISO 6504-3 white product at a specified spreading rate of 12m² per litre, Solo® gives best opacity when compared to leading brands. Tested Feb 2008

**For full details of the Solo(R) One Coat Guarantee see back of pack or contact Crown Paint Talk on 08702401127
ENDS

www.crownpaint.co.uk

For further information and photography, please contact the
Crown Paint Press Office at Frank PR
Tel: 020 7693 6999 email: crownpaint@frankpr.it

NEWS FROM ROWNTREE'S


‘Bog-tastic Bank Holiday!’

The ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship winners are announced

Over 200 people flooded into the tiny Welsh village of Llanwrtyd Wells on Bank Holiday Monday, to take part in the 25th annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships, sponsored by ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS®.

Prepared to get very wet, visitors from across the world flocked to Wales to take a dive into the muddiest bog in the UK. The dirtiest water sport of the year attracted participants from as far a field as Australia, with all participants eager to take on the World Champion, Joanne Pitchforth, who attended the event to defend her world record time of one minute 35.18 seconds set in 2007.

Not for the faint-hearted, the ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship took place in two 60 yard trenches, dug deep into a peat bog. Armed with a strong pair of ‘bog-gles’, flippers and a snorkel, each contestant was required to ‘swim’ two lengths (120 yards) of the bog, using a non-recognised swimming stroke in a bid to finish first.

Showing true skill and dedication in the sport of Bog Snorkelling, there was only room for four winners and the 2009 ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship winners are:

• Fastest male – Conor Murphy, from Leicestershire, swimming the 120 yard distance in 1 minute, 42 seconds.
• Fastest female – Laura Smith, from Leeds, swimming the 120 yard distance in 1 minute, 51 seconds.
• Fastest local – Tony Bains, from Llandovery, swimming the 120 yard distance in 2 minutes, 33 seconds.
• Best fancy dress – were Robin Bartlett, Ed Aetson and Adam Stokes from London, taking to the bog in a tight fitted mermaid costume and swimming the 120 yard distance with an average time of 4 minutes 30 seconds!

Cheryl Allen, ROWNTREE’S® Brand Manager said “We are really pleased to be revealing the 2009 World Bog Snorkelling Champions after a thrilling competition! The unique and quintessentially ‘random’ event was a great success and saw entries from across the globe enjoy a memorable Bank Holiday! Keep your eyes peeled for some other truly random events from ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® in the near future!”

Sheelagh Tomkins, organiser of the ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship said “With over 200 attendees, this year’s championship was definitely one of the best in the 25 years it’s been running and certainly attracted a wide range of characters looking for a real laugh! We’d like to thank everyone who came down on the day - it’s really encouraging to see Bog Snorkelling firmly on the map of wacky events around the UK!”

To view images and find out more information on the ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® World Bog Snorkelling Championship log onto www.rowntrees-randoms.co.uk or 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 ® was the official title sponsor for the ROWNTREE’S RANDOMS® Bog Snorkelling Championship, which took 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