Category: Children in Need
Date: 06.11.2005
Printable version
The nation has been captivated by Terry Wogan's newly discovered breakdancing skills in the current TV trail for 91Èȱ¬ Children in Need and now he can dance on your desktop too.
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91Èȱ¬ Children in Need is one of the first charities to use a 'Skinker' as a marketing alert to generate support.
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The comedic Skinker takes the form of a dancing Terry Wogan and was created especially for the charity.
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The TV trails, originally created to raise awareness of the charity's fundraising packs, have become a surprise hit with TV viewers.
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This animated version of Terry Wogan, known as Tiny Terry, is available now as a free download from bbc.co.uk/pudsey to all PC users.
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It was designed to entertain, but also to act as a vehicle that can supply news and updates on the campaign by way of desktop notifications.
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Tiny Terry can be commanded to breakdance on screen at any time, and he will keep PC users updated with the latest 91Èȱ¬ Children in Need happenings by bringing alerts directly to their desktops.
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Donations can also be made to the charity by simply clicking a button whenever Tiny Terry pops up.
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Terry Wogan was said to be tickled by the Tiny Terry, and also by the success of his TV trails.
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He said: "The person who designed Tiny Terry has done a fantastic job with the likeness, however he doesn't perform the moves as smoothly as me!
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"It looks great though - what a fun way to deliver news about the charity to people. Now there is no escaping my breakdancing!"
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On the success of the TV trails he commented: "The TV trails were lots of fun to make, but I have to say, the strength of the response to them has been most unexpected! I think it must be something to do with my artful moves."
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Sally Deighan, Chief Executive, Children in Need, said: "It's great to be able to involve the Tiny Terry Skinker in the year's publicity campaign.
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"It is a vehicle that will enable us to communicate with our supporters in a new and exciting way.
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"It will also enable us to encourage more people to engage with the appeal, and help us to raise awareness across the UK, and further afield.
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"It will certainly help us with our aim to raise as much money as possible, and to thereby make a lasting and positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children in the UK."
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Rob Noble, COO of Skinkers, who have designed Tiny Terry, commented:
"We're proud that 91Èȱ¬ Children in Need asked us to help them with their campaign.
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"Tiny Terry is a fantastic, fun character that is sure to build up a loyal following. And he will also be a key factor in engaging the public with this extremely worthwhile charity."
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Following the live appeal show on 91Èȱ¬ ONE on Friday 18 November, Tiny Terry will continue to deliver updates throughout the following year, maintaining awareness and highlighting the ongoing work of the charity.
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Notes to Editors
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The 91Èȱ¬ Children in Need Appeal will take place on Friday 18 November.
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For a free fundraising pack with tips and advice on how to raise money call 0845 607 3333, or see bbc.co.uk/pudsey.
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To make a donation call 0845 733 2233.
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