THOMAS MAYHEW IS OFFICIALLY A BOOKWORM

Animal mad Thomas Mayhew from Hyde is officially a bookworm! The six-year-old has been crowned the winner of Blackpool Zoo’s monthly bookworm competition, which was launched on World Book Day this year. On a recent family visit to the zoo, Thomas, who attends Flowery Field Primary School, entered the competition along with his brothers Matthew, aged fifteen and Dominic, aged nine. With a little help from his brothers Thomas got the correct answer to the question: “What colour is Peter Rabbit’s jacket?”, which is, of course, blue. His prize is a special edition Peter Rabbit book and he has been entered into the end of year draw to win an annual membership for the zoo for 2011. Each month a question is being posted on the zoo’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages and handed out to all visitors as well as children who attend the education department’s workshops. Budding bookworms can then research the answer and either hand it into reception or the education department as they leave or email it to Judith.rothwell@blackpoolzoo.org.uk to be in with the chance to win that month’s must read book. Catherine, Thomas’s mother, said: “Thomas was over the moon when he won and couldn’t wait to tell his brothers. “He was so excited that he took it to school for show and tell the very next day and everyone was very impressed. “He is going to share the book with Matthew and Dominic and his younger brother Robert, who is two. “Thomas loves all animals, especially his pets Hector the parrot and Rooney the rabbit! “The entire family had a great day when we visited the zoo and Thomas’s favourite animals were the penguins, the elephants and the creepy crawlies.” Jude Rothwell, Marketing and PR Coordinator at Blackpool Zoo said: “Visitors come to the zoo for fun but they always go away having learned something and we want to build on this and reward our young supporters by giving them books to read with their families. “We are thrilled that Thomas was so excited about winning the competition and wish him luck in the draw to win the family membership at the end of the year.” The question for November is: “Who played Dr Dolittle in the films based on the book and released in 1998 and 2001?” The closing date is Tuesday 30th November. The winner will be notified shortly after the closing date. -ENDS- Notes to editors: • Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world wide player. • Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes. The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orangutans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos. • Blackpool Zoo is open every day from 10am. Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP. Tel: 01253 830830.

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