NEWS FROM NPOWER

FAMILY HARMONY FOUND IN THE TURN OF A THERMOSTAT
COLD SNAP MAKES BRIT FAMILIES SNAPPIER


One in four family tiffs over the recent cold snap were sparked by disputes over the temperature of the home, it emerged yesterday, with kids acting as the mediators.

Research conducted by npower Climate Cops among 2,000 homeowners found ‘it’s too hot, it’s too cold’ squabbles took place in millions of homes as Britain was struck by the lowest temperatures for nearly 30 years, with more bad weather on the way.

Surprisingly the survey showed that it’s being left to the kids to restore the peace and encourage parents to turn down the thermostat. The research also revealed that the ideal temperature for family harmony is 21 degrees Celsius.

Yesterday a spokesman for npower’s Climate Cops, the energy company’s education programme that encourages kids to think green, said:

‘’What’s really heartening is that the results reveal that it’s kids who are championing greener practices around the home.

“An encouraging 17 per cent of parents have been pressurised into turning down the thermostat by their kids in order to help protect the environment and a quarter are nagged about being more environmentally conscious.

“As many as four in 10 youngsters are taking it even further, entering into dad’s domain by sorting out the recycling at home and encouraging their families to stop wasting water or electricity.”

Parenting expert and author Lorraine Thomas commented:

“According to these results more than half (53 per cent) think that families have been grumpier because of the cold snap, with families having one squabble a week over the correct temperature for the home. Family disagreements are perfectly healthy but it’s great to see that kids are acting as mediators and working to restore family harmony.”

The survey found the typical family has at least four ‘niggles’ a day and at least one disagreement lasting 10 minutes.

A third have complained of feeling cold around the home. One in five are fed up of being told to ‘put another layer on’ and the same number have disagreed about the time the heating should come on in the morning.

But seven in 10 believe family disagreements are healthy and 87 per cent reckon it’s best to have everything out in the open so everyone knows how everyone truly feels.


WHAT FAMILIES ARGUE ABOUT
1. Household chores
2. What to watch on TV
3. Money
4. The temperature of the house
5. Who has the remote control
6. Replacing the toilet roll
7. What time the children go to bed
8. Being unable to find something in the house
9. Whose go it is on the computer or games console
10. Treating the house like a hotel
11. Taking each other for granted
12. Whose turn it is to wash up
13. Homework
14. What to have for tea
15. Feeling too hot or too cold
16. Taking someone else’s toy / book / game without asking
17. Constantly being asked for money
18. Getting kids to stop eating sweets
19. Putting an empty juice carton back in the fridge
20. Getting kids to eat vegetables
21. Whether someone is really ill or not
22. People spending too long in the bathroom
23. Leaving the loo seat up
24. Loud music
25. Who drank the last of the milk
26. Who should empty the dishwasher
27. Wanting a new toy / clothes / trainers
28. Who ate the last of the bread
29. Never ending sport on television
30. What time teenagers should be back home

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For further information and interview requests please contact:
Frank PR: 020 7693 6957


About npower
• npower is one of the UK's largest electricity suppliers and has 6.6 million customer accounts across the UK.
• npower sponsors the Test Match Series in England, Women's Test Series and the Village Cup.
• npower has been awarded platinum status in Business in the Community’s CR Index and is one of twenty-nine companies to have achieved the CommunityMark since its launch. All CommunityMark achievers have been recognised for demonstrating excellence in their holistic and strategic approach to community investment.

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

Biggest Ever Premier OFFERS: 1 MILLION ROOMS at £29

The UK’s biggest budget hotel chain, Premier Inn has announced the release of 1 million rooms available from just £29 for over the Easter and Summer period.

The £29 rooms are the perfect way to have a well-earned, great value, quality break in the UK during the Easter holidays and throughout the Summer months.

With 584 hotels nationwide, Premier Inn is at more locations than any other hotel chain in the UK, and each Premier Inn room can accommodate a family of four. What’s more, guests can also take advantage of the All You Can Eat Premier Breakfast where children under 16 can eat for free! There are also great value ‘2 for 1’ and ‘Kids go Free’ deals on over 800 top family attractions including theme parks, museums and aquariums.

Premier Offers for Easter and Summer can be booked now at www.premierinn.com.






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




TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Advertised rates are room only inclusive of VAT. “Rooms from £29 offer” is available for stays until 30.08.10 inclusive. Bookings must be made online at least 21 days in advance of stay. Offer valid for minimum 2 night stays Thursday to Monday inclusive except in relation to bookings which fall exclusively within the periods 12.02.10 until 21.02.10 inclusive, 26.03.10 until 18.04.10 inclusive, 28.05.10 until 06.06.10 inclusive or 27.08.10 until 30.08.10 inclusive when the offer applies to minimum 1 night stays on any day of the week. Offer also applies throughout the offer period to one night stays at participating airport and motorway service station hotels. No cancellations, amendments or refunds can be made. Offer is available at selected Premier Inns only and is subject to availability. Please check alternative dates if your selected date is not available.


Notes to editors:
Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s largest hotel brand with 584 budget hotels and more than 40,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland. Premier Inn bedrooms feature en-suite bathroom, TV with Freeview, and WiFi internet access. Premier Inn offers customers a money-back ‘Good Night Guarantee’ of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service, which is unique amongst Britain’s leading hotel chains.

All Premier Inns feature a bar and restaurant; situated inside the hotel or adjacent, offering a wide range of food choices.

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 has just opened a hotel in India. On a domestic front, Premier Inn is set to be the largest provider of budget hotels in London by the 2012 Olympics.

Premier Inn is currently offering rooms for just £29 (restrictions apply). Visit www.premierinn.com for full terms and conditions.

NEWS FROM COMPARETHEMEERKAT.COM

Aleksandr Orlov launches new art-vertisement

Premiering on 12th February 2010 on Facebook, Aleksandr Orlov’s new advert, “PAINTING” sees Sergei polishing a grand painting in Aleksandr’s study as Aleksandr talks about the courageous journey his ancestors travelled.

Aleksandr explains: “Last week I send Sergei for 3 day expedition up to attic for retrieving of favourite rocking horse. After many day he return empty-clawed, but he did manage for find genuine ‘Meercasso’ painting of my ancestor. I like so much I hang above fire-place, but it is shame that only Sergei and I get to see such handsomeness. Then I have brainwave; why make arty telebox commercial? So, I decide to use oil painting in latest advertisement, in hope that such handsome painting will help small-brained peoples realise the troubles that my ancestor go through, and remember that compare meerkat and compare market are very different thing!”

The 20s advert follows Aleksandr’s recent movie epic “THE JOURNEY OF COURAGEOUSNESS” which went back to his family’s humble beginnings and saw him join Sergei as they traveled out of Africa on a desperate voyage that took them across the world to the barren wastelands of Russia.

The ad is part of Aleksandr’s ongoing mission to prevent people from confusing his business with comparethemarket.com - the website for cheap car insurance.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

comparethemeerkat.com is cutting edge meerkat comparison website that was launch at the very beginnings of the internet. It is also first ever website to use latest computamabob technologies to make comparing of meerkats more efficient than ever before.

comparethemeerkat.com has over 1400 different shaped and sized meerkats to compare. If we can’t find meerkat right for you, I will eat my cravat.

Remember, comparethemeerkat.com cannot find you cheap car insurance. All timewasters please go to comparethemarket.com.

comparethemarket.com 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.

NEWS FROM HOVIS

Get Ready For British Fashion ‘Wheat’
Erin O’Connor teams up with Hovis 100% British Wheat to bring bread back into fashion

As always promoting healthy eating amongst models is a priority, and for 2010, Hovis 100% British Wheat will be teaming up with the fashion industry to keep the models looking and feeling good.

Supermodel Erin O’Connor who founded The Model Sanctuary, an oasis for models away from the catwalk, is supporting the trend and has worked with Hovis to devise a ‘British Fashion Wheat’ sandwich using bread made from flour milled from 100% British Wheat which will be on offer to models at the secret location.

Erin said: “Fashion Week is the highlight of the year for models but it’s also an incredibly busy and stressful time. The Model Sanctuary offers a free, safe and relaxing getaway, staffed by a full-time nutritionist, psychologist and other experts on hand to help out the models. This year I’ve worked with nutritionists at Hovis to create the British Fashion Wheat sandwich specifically for our models to help keep them looking and feeling great during their busy week. It’s made from Hovis 100% British Wheat Original Wheatgerm bread, avocado, smoked salmon and sun-blushed tomatoes and contains a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.”

Continuing: “British fashion and culture is thriving as we continue to support our own fantastic home grown talent. Hovis is also cultivating British talent in its own, special way by switching to 100% British wheat which supports our farmers. ”

Lindsey Ormond, the Hovis nutritionist explains: “Diet and lifestyle play a huge part in keeping you looking your best. The ingredients in Hovis’ British Fashion Wheat sandwich contain vitamin E, which is an antioxidant which helps protect against free radicals, B Vitamins to help keep your skin healthy and Omega 3, all of which are key nutrients. It also provides energy to help the models recharge for their next catwalk appearance.”

Make your own Hovis British Fashion Wheat sandwich

Ingredients:

2 slices of Hovis 100% British Wheat Original Wheatgerm bread
3 slices smoked salmon
½ avocado, sliced
3 sun-blushed tomatoes
Unsalted butter to spread
Instructions:
Spread a thin layer of butter on 1 slice of Hovis Original Wheatgerm. Layer the slices of smoked salmon on the bread, top with the sliced avocado, followed by the sun-blushed tomatoes and finish with the second slice of bread.
For more information visit www.hovisbakery.co.uk

//END//

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

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

Rogue Alton Towers Resort Squirrel drives park bosses nuts!
Squirrel banned from Sonic Spinball coaster

Employees at the Alton Towers Resort have been forced to ban a dare-devil squirrel from its revamped Sonic Spinball coaster after a series of incidents. The grey haired squirrel, native to the United States of America, has been causing mischief during the ride’s recent makeover and is continuing to cause headaches for the resort as it prepares to launch the ride for half term on 13 February.

The squirrel, aptly nicknamed ‘Sonic’ by operators due to his maverick nature, first baffled workers who noticed that he was riding the coaster as it was tested in the mornings. Sonic has also been accused of flagrantly stealing workers snacks.

As the resort gears up for the main season opening on 20th March, Sonics’ antics will no longer be tolerated as he presents a health and safety risk.
Harmless alarms have now been installed that emit a warning noise, inaudible to human ears, that will hopefully ensure he avoids the ride for the foreseeable future.
Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director at the Alton Towers Resort said, “We’re proud to welcome guests of all kinds to the Alton Towers Resort and strive to make their visit pleasurable. Unfortunately Sonic’s behaviour is a danger both to our guests and himself and so we’re doing all we can to ensure that he stays away from the ride! Banning a squirrel from a rollercoaster is certainly unusual, but I suppose there’s a first time for everything! ”

Sonic Spinball opens to the public this February half term (13-21 February) at the Alton Towers Resort and joins a number of selected rides and attractions available for the half term holiday. For further information on pricing, short break stays and to book online, please visit www.altontowers.com.

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For further information please call 0207 693 6999 or email altontowers@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, and 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 59 attractions and six hotels/ 2 holiday villages in 13 countries and 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, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo, Underwater Adventures, Heide Park and Earth Explorer.

NEWS FROM DORITOS

Make an Ad, Make a Fortune

Make the next Doritos advert and win up to £200k!

Think you can create the next great TV ad? The one that everyone will be talking about? The one that will make you famous?

On the 16th February 2010, Doritos launches it’s ‘King of Ads’ campaign, encouraging all budding young directors or anyone with a video camera, to create the next big Doritos TV ad and win up to a staggering £200,000.

Arm yourself with ideas and a video camera and create a 29 second commercial to be uploaded onto www.doritos.co.uk. The makers of the top 15 adverts will then be invited to pitch their Doritos TV ad to a panel of specially selected experts, which includes Bafta award-winning actor, director, and screenwriter Noel Clarke, TV and radio presenter Lauren Laverne and top ad director David Shane. The top three ads, as selected by the panel, will then be put to the public vote to decide who the true King of Ads is.

The budding director of the winning ad with the most votes is guaranteed £100,000 and will win an extra £1 for every vote they receive up to an additional £100,000. They will have their advert watched by millions as it airs across British national television from 13th June to 11th July. Not bad for your first commercial!

Pete Charles, Marketing Manager, Doritos, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for anyone wanting to make a name for themselves in the world of advertising or earn a life changing amount of money. In true Doritos style your adverts can be as bold, leftfield or as funny as you make them – good luck!”

The Doritos King of Ads competition opens to entrants on the 16th February and closes 30th April. Voting for your favourite ads opens from 29th May and closes on the 10th June 2010. Throughout the entry stage there will also be the opportunity to win amazing prizes if your ad is chosen as ad of the week. To download the toolkit and submit your advert visit www.doritos.co.uk.



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For interviews with the panel, further information, images and samples please contact:
Frank PR on Email doritos@frankpr.it or call 020 7693 6999


Notes to editors:
Competition Specifications
o Competition opens 16th February 2010
o Competitions closes 30th April 2010
o Winning advert airs throughout June and July 2010

Entrants
o Must use the tool kit provided on www.doritos.co.uk
o For terms and conditions (including judging criteria), see website for details
o Prize breakdown is as follows:
o 1st Prize – guaranteed £100,000 and £1 for every vote up to a maximum of £100,000
o 2nd and 3rd prizes - £1 for every vote up to a maximum of £5,000
o Top 15 – prize from play.com up to the value of £500
o Top 50 – prize from play.com up to the value of £300
o Top 100 – money off coupon with play.com


Why do we need this?

29 Seconds?
o Your ad must be exactly 29 seconds in length no more no less.

Video format
o Shoot your ad however you like, but the final edited version must be in one of the following formats: .mpg, .mp4, .mov, .flv, .avi, .wmv.
o 16:9 perspective


Product
o Ingredients: as with all Doritos products, all key ingredients will appear on pack including those within the seasoning which creates the overall flavour of the product
o GDAs: a 40g pack of Cool Original Doritos includes: Calories: 200g; Sugar: 1.6g; Fat: 11g; Saturates: 1g; Salt: 0.8g

About PepsiCo:
PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with 2007 annual revenues of more than $39 billion. The company employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. The PepsiCo portfolio includes 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more each in annual retail sales. PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainable growth, defined as Performance with Purpose, is focused on generating healthy financial returns while giving back to communities the company serves. This includes meeting consumer needs for a spectrum of convenient foods and beverages, reducing the company’s impact on the environment through water, energy and packaging initiatives, and supporting its employees through a diverse and inclusive culture that recruits and retains world-class talent. As a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America), PepsiCo is a recognized leader in sustainability.
For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

NEWS FROM BENNETTS

This is Big Brother – Will all Babes Report to Nicola T

Celebrity Big Brother star launches search for 2010 Bennetts Babes

Nicola T today launched a nationwide search for the 2010 Bennetts Babes by donning her leathers and getting in front of the camera for the first time since leaving the Big Brother house. The annual competition, run by the UK’s number one for bike insurance*, sees the nation’s sexiest babes compete for a place in one of the hottest modelling squads in the biking world.

Nicola T, the 27 year old WAG, model and aspiring singer follows in the footsteps of a host of celebrity beauties including Nicola McLean, Lucy Pinder and Danielle Lloyd to launch the competition. The Bennetts Babes search, now in its seventh year, has played a huge part in the careers of some of the UK’s hottest girls with the gorgeous Big Brother 10 winner Sophie Reade securing a place in the 2008 squad.

Speaking at the launch, Nicola said “The Bennetts Babes search really is a fantastic way for any aspiring models to break into the industry, so all budding beauties should give it a go and upload their pictures and statistics to www.bennettsbabesearch.co.uk. I will be encouraging everyone to check out the website where you can vote for your favourite babe! I will also be keeping a weekly blog about the search, keeping fans up-to-date on the competition.”

With only eight places up for grabs the chosen babes will be unveiled in April and will need to be ready to slip into their famous outfits as they take part in a string of modelling assignments, marketing campaigns and promotional activity to represent Bennetts throughout 2010.

Hannah Squirrell, Marketing Director of Bennetts said “We are really excited to be launching the seventh Bennetts Babes search and are confident that Nicola T will help encourage a record amount of entries. This year there are even more opportunities for fans to get involved, as for the first time a male member of the public will be chosen to be part of the judging panel! And if the promise of a bevy of babes isn’t enough Bennetts is also offering bikers twelve months’ insurance cover for the price of nine until the end of April.**”

For further details on the Bennetts Babes search and to enter, visit www.bennettsbabesearch.co.uk where you can upload your entry photos, short video, contact details and statistics. To be in with a chance of making this year’s squad you must be over 18 and a UK resident. Deadline for entries is 19th March 2010.



* Based on brand tracking research in April 2009

** Available until 30th April 2010, take advantage of the offer by calling 0800 975 9161 or log on to www.bennetts.co.uk/12for9 for more information

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


Notes to editors

HISTORY OF THE BENNETTS BABES

Now in its seventh year the Bennetts Babes are an established feature within the Bennetts brand and have previously been a well-known fixture at Superbike events and amongst the biking and wider male audience. The nationwide search to find the girls is well recognised and is becoming bigger and better every year.

THE BACKGROUND TO BENNETTS

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



· In the early 1980’s Bennetts devised a number of specialist insurance schemes for all 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 launch a quote and buy facility 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.



o 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.

o 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, following its takeover, Bennetts unveiled its new brand identity to the industry.



· In a first for the company Bennetts became personal sponsor of former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson from 2003 - 2006.



· 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 entire 2008 championship.



· Bennetts has been personal sponsor of two-time World Superbike Champion James Toseland since July 2007.



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

NEWS FROM BLACKBERRY

SHOP FROM THE FRONT ROW FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH
THE HOUSE OF HOLLAND APP FOR BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONES
Pioneering app for BlackBerry smartphones allows customers to buy House of Holland designs as they hit the runway

House of Holland is delighted to announce the launch of its bespoke app for BlackBerry® smartphones that will allow customers to buy pieces direct from the runway as they are shown at London Fashion Week on 20th February.

BlackBerry users will exclusively be able to order from the eight piece House of Holland slogan t-shirt collection by downloading the app from www.houseofholland.co.uk/blackberry or BlackBerry app world. This marks the first time consumers have been able to own a piece of the runway collection by ordering through mobile technology ahead of its retail launch in the Autumn.

As one of London’s most forward thinking young designers, Henry Holland is known for pushing the boundaries of fashion. The launch of his House of Holland app for BlackBerry smartphones will further cement his reputation for innovation and ensure that his Autumn/Winter 2010 show is one of the most technologically advanced events London Fashion Week has seen.

Henry Holland says: ‘I have always been a huge fan of BlackBerry and love the fact that we are making fashion more accessible and immediate to consumers through our exclusive app. As fashion becomes increasingly digitally-focused it’s extremely exciting to place House of Holland at the forefront of the revolution.’

At the show, House of Holland will also be live Tweeting shots of the catwalk and front row via BlackBerry to Henry Holland’s followers on Twitter (www.twitter.com/henryholland). A limited edition collection of BlackBerry back plates – embossed with designs from the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection – will also be available to buy at The Carphone Warehouse concession in Selfridges. Finally, a House of Holland Theme will be available to download from BlackBerry app world, also from 20th February, allowing consumers to fully integrate House of Holland into their BlackBerry experience.

BlackBerry is the official handset partner of London Fashion Week. Henry Holland shows the 7th House of Holland collection at London Fashion Week on Saturday 20th February at 4.45pm.

- ends -

The House of Holland BlackBerry app can be downloaded from BlackBerry app world or www.houseofholland/blackberry.

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.

The Carphone Warehouse is the largest independent mobile phone retailer in the UK, with over 820 stores nationwide. For more details see www.carphonewarehouse.com or call 0800 925 925. Get the most from your gadgets with Eye Openers from The Carphone Warehouse. Eye Openers is a new YouTube channel which features videos of employees giving useful hints and tips on everything from laptops to the latest BlackBerry. With new videos being added each month, just visit http://eyeopeners.carphonewarehouse.com and have your eyes opened.


For further information please contact:

Frank PR on 020 7693 6999

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

New Rollercoaster, Th13teen, Proves Lucky for one Builder

Alton Towers Resort calls in Harley Street hypnotherapist to cure coaster builder of his life long phobia of the number 13 (Tridecaphobia)

44 year old Paul McNicol has conquered a debilitating phobia of the number 13, enabling him to return to work on the new £15m Alton Towers Resort ride of the same name.

Resort bosses, determined that the project is completed on time, have resorted to hiring hypnotherapist Bonita Rayner-Jones, for Paul to undergo an intensive treatment course.

The Site Manager from Staffordshire is partly responsible for ensuring that the ride’s secret element is correctly installed. Never before has so much theme park technology been combined in one ride, proving a challenge for designers and builders alike. The ultimate thrill ride, Th13teen will join a long line of world first attractions at the Alton Towers Resort including "Nemesis", "Oblivion" and "Air".

When the name was revealed in December it provoked an intense reaction from Paul. “He literally couldn’t get further than the front entrance to the park without breaking out in a cold sweat,” said Bonita, who has been helping phobics overcome their fears for several years as an experienced member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy and a Certified Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).

“Tridecaphobia, or a fear of the number 13 is a surprisingly common problem for many people. Working with a combination of intensive hypnotherapy techniques, we were able to finally tackle the problem, once and for all.”

Paul, who has worked on the construction of some of the world’s top rollercoasters has suffered from a fear of the number 13 ever since he can remember, leaving him crippled by an intense paranoia and anxiety in everyday life.

Paul explains: “I’d always been slightly ashamed of my phobia, it’s pretty embarrassing, especially for a 44 year old man. It can be perceived as trivial, or even just a simple superstition, but it’s not.”

“I couldn’t have imagined entering a house that was numbered 13, visiting the 13th floor of any building or even reading the 13th page of a book, the list really was endless!”

“The treatment was intensive and pretty emotional at times. Before I just couldn’t bear the thought of going to work; now I can’t wait to return and put the finishing touches to the secret element! To be honest I’m surprised and amazed that I’m saying the word 13 right now.”

In the UK, roughly 2.5 million, or nearly 4.25% of the population suffer from phobias of varying degrees.

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director at the Alton Towers Resort said: “We take all our employees welfare very seriously and are thrilled that Paul had such a positive response to hypnotherapy. Paul is integral to the project and the team would be lost without him. We’re all looking forward to having him back on site.” Continuing, “Located in an area of unexplored woodland known as the dark forest, Th13teen will take guests on an ultimate ride, exploiting rider’s vulnerabilities and playing with their minds. We’re excited that the Alton Towers Resort is able to offer visitors the chance to experience something unavailable in any other part of the world, which will be every ride you’ve ever dreamed of in one!”
The Ultimate Rollercoaster, Th13teen, launches on 20th March 2010!

In a bid to help thrill seekers experience Th13teen, the Alton Towers Resort is offering free hypnotherapy treatment to sufferers of Tridecaphobia.
To find out more about the Alton Towers Resort hypnotherapy offer, bookings for which are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis in January 2010, please contact phobia@alton-towers.com


For more information on the launch of Th13teen visit www.altontowers.com



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For further information please call 0207 693 6999 or email altontowers@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, and 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 59 attractions and six hotels/ 2 holiday villages in 13 countries and 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, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo, Underwater Adventures, Heide Park and Earth Explorer.
Bonita Rayner-Jones, BA (Hons), Dip.C.Hyp, MNCH is an experienced National Council for Hypnotherapy registered Hypnotherapist and a Certified Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). She is also a member of the Telegraph's Health & Wellbeing Specialists & the NHS Trust.
Bonita is a professional, full time, female hypnotherapist based in Harley Street, London and Blackheath. She has helped thousands clients with a variety of issues ranging from stopping smoking and weight management to phobias, stress and anxiety, confidence building, eating disorders plus many more.
Bonita's working ethos is instilling a belief in her clients that they have the capability and tools to overcome their problems and with this belief system in place, change is often dramatic and fast. Her approach is compassionate, friendly and warm coupled with exceptionally high standards. She is fully committed to helping her clients overcome difficulties and reach their full potential through the use of hypnotherapy, task setting, NLP, EFT and the teaching of self-hypnosis.
Bonita trained at Regents College, London in the practice of Cognitive Hypnosis but her training did not stop there, she has also received specialist training at the London College of Clinical Hypnosis in Eating Disorders, Psychosexual problems, Smoking cessation, Trichotillomania and many more conditions. This expanse of training in both Cognitive and Clinical Hypnosis means that a variety of techniques have been studied during training rather than just one approach enabling her to treat clients from a solid, ethical and well rounded background. She holds the first nationally recognised Diploma in Hypnotherapy from the NCFE.
Bonita is a Member of the National Council of Hypnotherapy (N.C.H) and the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R), adhering to their code of ethics at all times and is covered by their Indemnity Insurance.

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

THE ULTIMATE RIDE FOR ALEX REID

Big Brother survivor launches search for ultimate adrenaline junkies to preview new rollercoaster TH13TEEN at the Alton Towers Resort

The most anticipated attraction of 2010, the Alton Towers Resort’s new rollercoaster, TH13TEEN, already has a queue! Theme park bosses have been inundated with so many requests from fans who are desperate to try out the ride, that they have decided to launch a national search for the UK’s ultimate ‘adrenaline junkies’ to be first in line.

The resort is offering members of the public the chance to have a ‘world-first’ preview of TH13TEEN, the ‘ultimate rollercoaster’, before its grand opening on March 20th 2010 – but it’s not going to be an easy ride.

Determined thrill seekers are being invited to test their metal with an application process that makes Big Brother seem like your little sister! To kick-start the search, the Alton Towers Resort has put together a team of experts including Celebrity Big Brother winner Alex Reid who will put wannabe riders through their paces in a series of gruelling tests including:

- Psychometric testing
- Interrogation interview
- 2 hr physical assessment
- Rollercoaster endurance (1 hr of continuous rides on Air)
- ‘Midnight bootcamp’

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director at the Alton Towers Resort said: “We’re thrilled that so many people are excited about our fantastic new rollercoaster TH13TEEN but we have been inundated with requests from members of the public who want to be first on the ride. We feel this is the fairest way to choose who gets the first ride and are inviting thrill seekers across the nation to prove themselves.”

TH13TEEN is the ultimate rollercoaster and every theme park ride you’ve ever dreamed of in one. The ride will join a long line of world-first attractions at the Alton Towers Resort including "Nemesis", "Oblivion" and "Air". Based on the discovery of an old burial ground, visitors will be invited to take a ride into the Dark Forest, where they will have to try and escape the all-consuming power of the creeping forest.

For more information and to apply visit www.altontowers.com/thirteen

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For further information or interviews, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or email altontowers@frankpr.it


Notes to editors:

• Applicants must be over 18 and will be required to sign a disclaimer regarding physical and mental health. Applicants must be available on 2nd and 3rd March 2010
• T&C’s apply

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, and 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 59 attractions and six hotels/ 2 holiday villages in 13 countries and 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, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo, Underwater Adventures, Heide Park and Earth Explorer.

NEWS FROM COMPARE THE MEERKAT

Hollywood success for a mere ‘kat’?

Forget Christmas blockbusters, this year critics are eagerly awaiting the epic sixty second film from meerkat entrepreneur Aleksandr Orlov.

Launching on 3rd January 2010, THE JOURNEY OF COURAGEOUSNESS is produced, written and edited by Aleksandr Orlov himself AND stars Aleksandr Orlov in the title role (as well as Head of IT, Sergei - “though in small supported roles only”).

In an impressive bid to try and prevent people from confusing his business with comparethemarket.com - the website for cheap car insurance - the comparethemeerkat.com founder uses his new advert to explain that life was not always so simples! for the Orlovs.

Taking us back to his family’s humble beginnings, THE JOURNEY OF COURAGEOUSNESS joins Aleksandr and Sergei as they travel out of Africa on a desperate voyage that takes them across the world to the barren wastelands of Russia.

Filmed at Pinewood Studios and on location, THE JOURNEY OF COURAGEOUSNESS will be a departure from the previous comparethemeerkat.com adverts, featuring Aleksandr outside of his Russian mansion for the very first time. Billed to be the biggest meerkat production in history, the film is already tipped for an Os-kat nomination.

Entrepreneur, Aleksandr has become a popular icon since launching his internet business in January 2009 and now has over 600,000 friends on Facebook and 31,000 Twitter followers.

Aleksandr Orlov said “I very proud to introduce what film crickets are call ‘the best sixty second meerkat adventure film of all time’: ‘The Journey of Courageousness’. This movie is “claw-biting edge-of-seat thrill-ride”, but also have very serious message about my ancestors; they did not suffer journey of blood, sweat and beetles only to have peoples confuse meerkats with cheap car insurance! So grab bucket of salty pop-roaches and enjoy!”


THE JOURNEY OF COURAGEOUSNESS is released on January 3rd 2010 and can be seen on ITV1 at 9.20pm.
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Notes to Editors:


comparethemeerkat.com is cutting edge meerkat comparison website that was launch at the very beginnings of the internet. It is also first ever website to use latest computamabob technologies to make comparing of meerkats more efficient than ever before.

comparethemeerkat.com has over 1400 different shaped and sized meerkats to compare. If we can’t find meerkat right for you, I will eat my cravat.

Remember, comparethemeerkat.com cannot find you cheap car insurance. All timewasters please go to comparethemarket.com.

comparethemarket.com 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.

NEWS FROM BENNETTS

Nicola T Scoops First Modelling Contract after Leaving the Big Brother House

Just a day after exiting the Big Brother house, celebrity model Nicola T has been snapped up by Bennetts, the UK’s number one for bike insurance*, to front its annual Bennetts Babes search.

From fake-tanning Alex Reid and astounding housemates with her uninhibited questions, to walking out of the house barefoot; Nicola T was one of the most popular contestants in this year’s house. The 27 year old WAG, model and aspiring singer will now be donning her leathers and following in the footsteps of celebrity beauties Nicola McLean, Lucy Pinder and Danielle Lloyd to launch the annual search.

The gorgeous Nicola T will be calling for any aspiring models across the UK to enter the search. With only eight places up for grabs, the chosen babes will be unveiled in March and will take part in a string of modelling assignments, marketing campaigns and promotional activity to represent the brand throughout 2010. The competition has a proven track-record of giving girls their ‘big break’: Big Brother 10 winner Sophie Reade was selected for the squad back in 2008.

Hannah Squirrell, Marketing Director of Bennetts says “Nicola T proved to be a great hit in the Big Brother house, so we can’t think of anyone better to launch our annual Bennetts Babes competition. Fans should keep an eye out for the exclusive shots we will be releasing to celebrate her signing, to excite the fans and be a true inspiration to all would-be Bennetts Babes out there.”

* Based on brand tracking research in April 2009

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Notes to editors

HISTORY OF THE BENNETTS BABES
Now in its seventh year, the Bennetts Babes are an established feature within the Bennetts brand and have previously been a well-known fixture at Superbike events and amongst the biking and wider male audience. The nationwide search to find the girls is well recognised and is becoming bigger and better every year.

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 VIRGIN MEDIA

Mixtape takes London film maker to the BAFTAS
Virgin Media Shorts 2009 winner picks up BAFTA nomination

London film maker Luke Snellin was today nominated for a BAFTA for his short film Mixtape, four month’s after the film picked up the Grand Prize at the Virgin Media Shorts Awards. Mixtape, which was created specifically for last year’s competition, captures the innocence of young love and sees a boy create a compilation tape for a girl he likes. The endearing film was a clear winner for the prestigious judging panel including Kevin Spacey, Gemma Arterton and Noel Clarke, in the competition that aims to shine a light on undiscovered British film talent.

A 23 year old from Ladbroke Grove, Luke is an up and coming writer and director and Mixtape was his second short film, which was created for Virgin Media Shorts. The film features Son of Rambow and Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll 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.

Luke triumphed over more than 2,000 competition entries and will receive £30,000 funding from Virgin Media and the UK Film Council towards his next film, as well as nationwide exposure to millions of people across the country. Mixtape is currently one of the 12 short-listed films that are currently being shown on over 200 cinema screens across the UK, 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.

Delighted with his nomination, Luke said, “I was over the moon to find out that I’d been nominated for a BAFTA for Mixtape. I created the film for last year’s Virgin Media Shorts competition and was thrilled when it was chosen to win the main prize by the judging panel including Kevin Spacey and Noel Clarke. Now to hear I’ve been shortlisted for a BAFTA is a dream come true, I’ve had an amazing six months and just hope I can go all the way in February.”

Luke will now have a nervous wait until 21st February when the BAFTAs are awarded at a ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London. Considered to be a key indicator for the Oscars in March, Luke Snellin and Mixtape are tipped for big things in the future.

For more information about Virgin Media Shorts or to see Mixtape, 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.

Virgin Media Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the London Stock Exchange (VMED).

For more information, go to www.virginmedia.com.