NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

Premier Inn bans vuvuzelas to maintain Good Night Guarantee

With the sound of vuvuzelas creating as much hype as the World Cup itself, £29-a-night Premier Inn has taken the move to ban the horns to ensure guests get a good night’s sleep throughout the tournament.

Vuvuzelas, the traditional South African horn commonly blown by fans at football matches, are being criticised by players, commentators and TV networks for creating an unbearable noise. The UK’s biggest budget hotel chain, Premier Inn, is welcoming football fans to their hotels to enjoy England’s next match against Algeria on Friday at 8.30pm, but will be banning all vuvuzelas to limit the disruption caused to other guests.

Spokesperson Steve Conway says, “We appreciate the tradition of the vuvuzela, but our Good Night Guarantee promises all guests will have a comfortable stay. By banning vuvuzela's from our hotels, we hope that all our guests will be able to enjoy their stay in peace.”

The Good Night Guarantee from Premier Inn promises guests a good night’s sleep in quality rooms with comfortable surroundings and friendly service - if not completely satisfied, Premier Inn will refund the guest the cost of their room.

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

Notes to editors:

Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest hotel brand with over 580 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.

In 2008 Premier Inn launched in Dubai and is now open in Bangalore, India. Premier Inn is set to be the largest provider of budget hotels in London by 2012.

Premier Inn is currently offering rooms for just £29 (restrictions apply). Visit www.premierinn.com for full terms and conditions.
Premier Inn supports WaterAid, the international charity whose mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Premier Inn, as part of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, aims to raise £1 million for WaterAid over the next two years. Details can be found at www.wateraid.org/whitbread.

NEWS FROM BOUNTY CELEBRITY DAD OF THE YEAR

PETE’S NEXT CHAPTER
Peter Andre crowned winner of Bounty Celebrity Dad of the Year 2010


LONDON (June 17, 2010) Celebrity sensation Peter Andre has been awarded the coveted award of Celebrity Dad of the Year by Bounty Parenting Club.

Taking time out from his hectic schedule, the 37 year old single dad of two accepted the publicly voted award on Thursday morning. Pete was overwhelmed, “This feels so good. It’s been a turnaround year for me and the kids and it’s an honour to be the subject of the public’s support and best wishes. This means a huge amount to me as being a dad is my most important role.”

A year after his high-profile divorce from Katie Price, the loveable single dad has clearly won a place in the nation’s hearts. Having taken a very different tack to his ex-wife, Pete has focussed on bringing up his own children and playing a vital role in the life of his stepson Harvey, without exposing them to the media’s eye, making him a clear favourite with the public.

With over 35,000 votes cast, the top spot was the most hotly contested to date. Pete battled off stiff competition from fellow single dad and TV presenter, Jeff Brazier, pop star, Gary Barlow and chef, Jamie Oliver, and proved that good wins out in the end by trumping love rats, Mark Owen and Vernon Kay, to the title. And in a turn in the polls, Gordon Brown has beaten David Cameron in the voting.

Faye Mingo, Parenting Spokesperson for Bounty.com said, “Bounty is thrilled Peter has been awarded the title. Our mums tell us that he’s an inspiration for all single dads going through a tough divorce and that they respect the fact that he makes time and puts in untold effort to be able to enjoy the family life he values so much. As his career goes from strength to strength and we wish him all the best in the future.”

The top ten celebrity dads are as follows:
1. Peter Andre
2. Jeff Brazier
3. Gary Barlow
4. Jamie Oliver
5. Gordon Brown
6. Ben Shephard
7. David Cameron
8. Ronan Keating
9. Wayne Rooney
10. Steven Gerrard
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For further information on the award or images please contact the team on 020 7693 6999 or email: celebritydad2010@frankpr.it

Editors notes
• Bounty (www.bounty.com) is the UK’s favourite parenting club, providing information, support and products for young families throughout the four key-life stages: pre-birth, birth, toddlers and pre-school.
• With 2.5 million members and over 50,000 new members joining every month, Bounty has approximately 96% market coverage of the estimated 800,000 annual births in the UK.
• www.bounty.com is the UK’s favourite parenting website and the largest online meeting point for mums in the UK with over 12 million impressions each month, 750,000 opted-in members and a further 28,000 new members joining each month

NEWS FROM NATIONWIDE

NATIONWIDE KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO GET LITTLE BRITAIN’S
ANDY INTO THE ENGLAND SQUAD


Given that any great squad could always use a 24th man just in case, Nationwide has created a website at www.andyforengland.com where fans can get behind a campaign that is backing the inclusion of Little Britain star Andy in the England squad.

The whole nation was stunned to witness Andy’s antics in Nationwide’s current ad campaign, where he took on Theo Walcott, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch before booting the ball past goalkeeper David James to score. If only Fabio Capello had seen see his silky skills on display before announcing the team, the line-up could have been very different. Maybe this is where England fans can help?

Fans can share their support for England, and Andy, via Facebook and Twitter on the site. All those who vote will be entered into a competition and will be in with a chance of winning a signed England shirt.

Football pundit and commentary icon Chris Kamara said: "I have been watching Andy for some time and the way that he takes the ball from Theo then pushes the ball through the legs of Jermain is awesome. Andy completes this World class goal with a lofted ball over big Crouchy and an overhead kick past David James. This boy has got to be pushing for a place!”

Alastair Pegg, head of brand marketing at Nationwide, commented: “We’re delighted that our ad campaign has showcased Andy’s amazing football skills and brought him to the attention of England’s football fans. Like us, many fans think he could be a great addition to the national side during this crucial World Cup campaign. Good luck England and don’t forget Andy!”

For further information please contact the Nationwide team at Frank PR at nationwide@frankpr.it or 020 7693 6982

NEWS FROM VIRGIN MEDIA

Clancy selects her starting line up!

Abbey Clancy takes over Virgin Media On Demand during the World Cup

Abbey Clancy, fiancée of England striker Peter Crouch, is coming to the aid of thousands of World Cup widows across the country this month by taking over Virgin Media On Demand to provide hours of entertainment for women who want to escape the football.

‘Abbey Clancy’s Girls’ Night In’ on Virgin Media On Demand, will show a selection of the 24 year old model’s favourite television programmes to keep football widows across the country entertained whilst the beautiful game dominates the nation’s TV screens. Packed with a range of shows from classic girly favourites such as Friends and ER, to American teen drama Gossip Girl and reality must-see programmes Dating in the Dark and Four Weddings, Abbey’s takeover guarantees no one loses out this summer.

With over 110 hours of entertainment available to view at the touch of a button, Abbey’s line-up of programmes includes;

• Medical drama, ER (Season 15)
• American soap, The Hills (Season 5)
• Teen drama, Gossip Girl (Season 2)
• Risqué British drama, Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Season 2)
• The one which needs no introduction, Friends (Season 5)
• Reality TV series, Dating in the Dark (Series 1)
• Nuptial dramas, Four Weddings (Series 1)
• Teen docu-drama, Laguna Beach (Season 2)
• Spin-off to The Hills, The City (Season 1)
• Gordon Ramsay’s latest serving, The F Word (Series 5)
• Teen reality show, My Super Sweet 16 (Season 3)
• Princess of pop documentary, Kylie Minogue

Abbey said: “While I’ll definitely be cheering on Pete and our boys this summer, it’s fantastic Virgin Media On Demand have let me host a selection of girly TV favourites so that we can take a break from football when we want as well. So go on, treat yourself to the ultimate girls’ night in with some popcorn and pampering, complete with a dose of George Clooney!”

Aleks Habdank, director of on demand television and strategy from Virgin Media said: “We know football fever will grip the nation this summer but we wanted to make it a game of two halves by giving something back to those wanting a break from the football. We’re hosting a great selection of TV shows personally chosen by Abbey, which are all available through Virgin Media On Demand, to watch when you want to.”

‘Abbey Clancy Girls’ Night In’ will be available on Virgin Media TV On Demand throughout June. With over 4,600 hours of other content available on demand, there is guaranteed to be something for all non-football fans to watch this summer. To find out more about Virgin Media On Demand, visit www.virginmedia.com/ondemand.


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Media Contacts

Frank PR - 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 eight 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.

NEWS FROM HOVIS

Danielle Lineker Launches Hovis Hearty Oats Bread in a Bid to Help Brits ‘Get Their Oats’!

Model and TV personality Danielle Lineker has teamed up with Hovis today to mark the launch of the new Hovis Hearty Oats Bread, the only bread baked with 50 per cent oats*. Wife of much-loved BBC pundit Gary, Danielle is backing a bid to ensure Brits ‘get their oats’ as research reveals that 93% of Brits are not eating enough oats to get the suggested daily intake of beta-glucan**, a soluble fibre which can help maintain normal levels of cholesterol.

Inspired by Madonna’s Material Girl video, Danielle, who will fly out to South Africa to join Gary next week, was joined by two male models in a photoshoot to celebrate the launch of Hovis Hearty Oats Bread, which is approved by HEART UK, the UK’s cholesterol charity.

Speaking at the launch, Danielle said “Watching the football this summer goes hand in hand with snacking and indulging in takeaways, but Hovis Hearty Oats Bread is now a quick and easy way to ‘get your oats’.”

The launch of Hovis Hearty Oats comes as research from Britain’s favourite baker reveals that 96% of British males (who predict their eating habits will be affected by the football) envisage eating more junk food during this summer’s tournament, whilst 52% of males and females are also expecting to drink more alcohol.

With 38% of the nation eating oats just four times a year or less, the research also reveals that 65% of Brits are getting their oats from unhealthier food options such as cookies or flapjacks. Hovis nutritionist Lindsey Ormond said, “Oats are a good source of beta-glucan, which can help maintain normal cholesterol levels if eaten regularly as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle. Brits wanting to up their intake should think about enjoying a couple of slices of Hovis Hearty Oats Bread, a great way to enjoy a third of your suggested daily intake of beta-glucan.”

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*Hovis Hearty Oats Bread is the only bread from a major bread brand baked using 50% oats and 50% wheat flour

**Suggested daily intake of beta-glucan is three grams

Notes to Editor:

• This research was undertaken by 72 Point. Total sample size was 2,000 men and women living in Britain.
• Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st and 24th May 2010.
• Hovis Hearty Oats can help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol as part of a healthy lifestyle and a diet low in saturated fat.
• All Hovis products are free from artificial preservatives and flavourings.

NEWS FROM COMPARETHEMEERKAT.COM

A Simples Life! – Aleksandr Orlov announces release of autobiography

Aleksandr Orlov, the Russian entrepreneur and founder of comparethemeerkat.com has announced today that he is to make his mark on the literary world by releasing his autobiography, ‘A Simples Life – The Life and Times of Aleksandr Orlov’.
Hoping to join the ranks of other great literary life stories such as Celine Dion My Story, My Dream and Donald Trump’s Art of the Deal, Aleksandr intends to be the first ever Meerkat to produce a bestselling book.

‘A Simples Life – The Life and Times of Aleksandr Orlov’ will be released by Ebury Publishing, a division of Random House and is expected to hit the shelves in time for Christmas. The meerkat’s memoir will give an exclusive insight in to the world of Aleksandr Orlov from his ancestors’ historic journey across the Kalahari and settlement in Russia through to his role as founder of comparethemeerkat.com and respected film director.

The book is part of Aleksandr’s wider campaign to highlight the difference between his own website comparethemeerkat.com and the website for cheap car insurance comparethemarket.com to prevent people from confusing the two.

Aleksandr Orlov said “Due to popular demand (and discovery of typewriter in attic) I have decide to release a book! It is entitle A Simples Life: The Life and Times of Aleksandr Orlov and is probables going to be Number 1 Christmas Bestseller…unless Mr Jeremy Clarkson publishes another edition of his angry dreams.

Book will tell – thrillingly – the story of my family and my life: how I achieved success and what it is like to be billionaire meerkat entrepreneur. My assistant, Sergei, is busy typing up first chapters!”

Andrew Goodfellow from Ebury publishing said “We are delighted to be working with Mr Orlov to release his autobiography. By all accounts he has had an exciting life and adventurous career and we’re certain his first literary creation will be a huge Christmas hit”

‘A Simples Life – The Life and Times of Aleksandr Orlov’ will be on sale 28th October 2010.

For more information please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999