Ivor the Engine Rides the Rails Again for Veterinary Charity

LONDON, December 16 - A brand new "Ivor the Engine" story, the first in over thirty years, was
unveiled today after a unique collaboration between Ivor's co-creator, Peter
Firmin, and Dan Postgate, son of the late Oliver Postgate, who wrote the
original Ivor stories.

With brand new illustrations by Peter Firmin and words by Dan Postgate,
"Bluebell's Christmas Mission" is set in a snow-bound Wales on Christmas Day,
and will benefit the work of UK veterinary charity SPANA (Society for the
Protection of Animals Abroad). SPANA provides free veterinary care to working
animals like donkeys, mules and horses in some of the poorest countries of
the world, and it's fitting that the new story sees a central role for
Bluebell the donkey, who figured prominently in the original Ivor stories.

SPANA Chief Executive Jeremy Hulme said "We were absolutely delighted
when Peter and Dan agreed to fire up Ivor once again and it's been a real
privilege to be part of this project. We didn't know if it would ever happen
initially but Peter was very keen to support our work, and his gorgeous
illustrations and Dan's wonderful little story have combined to create
something that all Ivor fans, young and old, will treasure."

Peter Firmin and his daughter Emily (the original "Emily" from Bagpuss)
visited SPANA projects in Morocco in October, seeing the work of the charity.
Both were struck by how much SPANA's work benefits the people who depend on
working animals for a living, as well as helping sick or injured animals back
to health.

Peter Firmin said; "I was very fortunate to see SPANA's amazing work in
Morocco earlier this year and the scale of its operation. From building water
points for thirsty carriage horses around Marrakech to doing emergency
caesareans on donkeys. I hope this little book helps the important work they
do for both working animals and the people who depend on them."

Dan Postgate said: "I was a bit daunted by the prospect of slipping into
my dad's Hush Puppies and composing a new story. I hope I've managed to
summon up some of the flavour of the original Ivor tales. It was certainly a
real thrill to get the stamp of authenticity by having my story illustrated
by Peter Firmin."

Notes to Editors

    - The new story, entitled "Bluebell's Christmas Mission" is available as
      a download from the SPANA website at www.spana.org from today at
      a cost of GBP3. Hard copies can be ordered online for GBP3.50, or by
      sending a cheque to SPANA at 14 John Street, London. WC1N 2EB. All
      profits made will help SPANA's veterinary and education work overseas.

    - SPANA has had the story fully translated into the Welsh language, and
      this is available as a separate download from the same website or as a
      hard-copy by post.

    - PDFs of the illustrations are available on request and can be
      reproduced, but must be credited with; "(c) Peter Firmin 2009"

    - SPANA was founded in North Africa 80 years ago, and now runs 19
      veterinary centres and 21 mobile veterinary clinics in countries like
      Mali, Morocco, Ethiopia, Jordan and Syria. It focuses on working
      animals in the knowledge that they play a vital role in supporting poor
      families and communities. It has increasingly been asked to intervene
      in emergency situations and has operated veterinary missions to Kosovo,
      Iraq, Zimbabwe, Darfur and Chad.

Pictures accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire.
It can be downloaded from www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at
www.mediapoint.press.net or www.prnewswire.co.uk.

For more information contact Simon Pope, Director of Communications,
SPANA, Tel - +44(0)207-269-2689 or Mobile - +44(0)7811-404-874. Alternatively
e-mail simon@spana.org

For more information contact Simon Pope, Director of Communications, SPANA, Tel - +44(0)207-269-2689 or Mobile - +44(0)7811-404-874. Alternatively e-mail simon at spana.org