The Courier was awarded the Stuart Seaton Regional Newspaper of The Year accolade by the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists (BGAJ) on Thursday 19th June.
Praised for its clear and informative nature of farmingcoverage, the DC Thomson newspaper title’s agricultural content was recognised by the judging panel.
The Courier’s Farming Editor Ewan Pate was named Regional Farming Journalist of The Year at the reception. He collected both awards at the Royal Highland Show event last week.
The Courier Editor Richard Neville said, “We’re delighted to have been recognised for our coverage of agricultural news. We pride ourselves in giving our readers in Courier Country the best local news, and this accolade shows our agricultural coverage is second to none.
“Ewan does an excellent job ensuring our readers are kept up to date with local farming news from the communities they live in.”
The BGAJ Regional Newspaper of The Year Award celebrates high quality writing and the information and insight the newspaper provides to farmers and the non-farming community alike.
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For further information contact Rebecca Moncrieff, DC Thomson, 01382 575697 / rmoncrieff@dcthomson.co.uk.
Notes to Editors:
THE COURIER The Courier is one of Britain’s biggest regional morning newspapers and is an established title in east central Scotland. Withfive daily editions, The Courier provides in-depth local news for Stirlingshire, Perthshire, Fife, Angus and The Mearns and Dundee. Teams of reporters based in our offices in Dundee, Perth, Kirkcaldy and Arbroath have excellent knowledge of local issues and fill more than six pages a day of news from their patches. At The Courier, we believe that Local Matters and that is exactly what you will find in our pages and on our website.
DC THOMSON
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

In a first for DC Thomson Publishing, the magazine business today announced it will become a new sponsor of the UK’s most watched commercial children’s channel, CITV.
The deal, which includes broadcast, online, mobile and licensing elements, will see separate 10-second sponsorship idents created across DC Thomson’s popular range of children’s titles, which will run from 0925-1800 on CITV for a 12-month period from 1st August.
The activity coincides with an exciting year for the DC Thomson, which is launching a new “Thunderbirds Are Go” title later this year. The broadcast sponsorship will be supported by a range of activity including 5-second idents across CITV content on ITV Player and a major POS push in supermarket and high street retailers.
DC Thomson’s Head of Publishing (Consumer Entertainment) Neil O’Brien said: “We’re keen to increase awareness of our brands and this campaign will help to showcase a range of our children’s titles.
“We’re hoping that this will not only appeal to our current readers but also assist in attracting new readers and it’s an ideal platform to match our portfolio.”
DC Thomson Head of Advertising (Consumer Entertainment) Andrew Williams commented: “A huge amount of research has gone into this campaign and there’s great potential for retail partnerships. Previous youth insight studies have shown that many of our readers are CITV viewers so we’re delighted to be launching this campaign to help maximise exposure of our brands to the right audiences.”
Kirsty Matthews, Group Marketing Manager for DC Thomson said: “CITV has an approach that reflects our brand’s values to engage children in a fun, creative and educational way. This multi-title campaign will provide key support to our brands starting from the important summer selling period and shows DC Thomson’s commitment to supporting the stable of publications.”

Dundee-based media company DC Thomson has purchased the Scottish women’s lifestyle title, No.1 Magazine.
Published to date by PSP Publishing Limited, No.1 Magazine has been in circulation for almost 10 years. As Scotland’s glamorous glossy magazine, the title captures everything Scottish from celebrity news, fashion and beauty to interior trends, fitness, food and events.
No.1 Magazine will join DC Thomson’s stable of publications with immediate effect. Existing No.1 Magazine staff members will transfer to the company’s Glasgow office in Skypark. Issue 158 (dated July 31st) will be the first published by DC Thomson.
Ellis Watson, CEO of DC Thomson Publishing, said, “No.1 Magazine will complement our existing brands, in particular our mature and women’s titles, and strengthen our magazines portfolio. It fits nicely as a Scottish sister alongside our other titles like My Weekly and Scottish Wedding Directory.
“It’s is an interesting opportunity and we’re pleased to fully integrate the title which we hope will deliver benefits for the title and the company.”
Paul Grant, Managing Director of PSP Publishing Limited, said, “From its launch in 2006 we are very proud to have successfully developed the magazine to this stage. However, this purchase represents a very exciting time for No.1 and I am confident that the title will continue to grow and prosper now that it is part of the DC Thomson portfolio.”

TheEvening Telegraphhas won the award for Front Page of the Year at the Regional Press Awards for its front page ‘Beyond Belief’. The Society of Editors Regional Press Awards celebrate the best of British regional and local newspaper journalism in 2014 in print, online and any other news platform.
The winning Evening Telegraph front page included an image of two drug users’ comatose in the street and opened the debate on the city’s attitude to drugs.
Evening Telegraph Editor Richard Prest said, “Beyond Belief was a powerful front page that provoked huge debate within Dundee and the surrounding community. We were praised for showing the true face of drug addiction while some people criticised the page for being intrusive. The Tele’s view was that this was a picture that had to be shown and that it would be wrong to shy away from such a difficult subject.
“Darren Hamilton secured the story and his Highly Commended award for Scoop of the Year is further testament to his hard work and dedication, having won Young Journalist of the Year at the recent Scottish Press Awards.”
The judges said, “It had the shock value and was a powerful and pertinent sign of the times. It was salutary and shocking and the editor should be praised for having the courage to print an image that was certain to provoke.”
Other DC Thomson titles to be recognised at the awards ceremony are;

Highly Commended Feature Writer of the Year, Chae Strathie, Sunday Post
Highly Commended Daily/Sunday Sports Journalist of the Year, Mark Guidi, Sunday Post
Highly Commended Supplement of the Year, First World War, The Courier
Highly Commended Scoop of the Year, Darren Hamilton, Evening Telegraph
Highly Commended Daily/Sunday Newspaper (above 25k), The Press and Journal

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Notes to Editors:
Evening Telegraph
The Evening Telegraph has been delivering the news and fighting for its readers since 1877. The title has seen many changes including a redesign, had its pagination increased and seen the launch of its new website www.thetele.co.uk.
The Evening Telegraph provides unrivalled football coverage, from the latest news at Tannadice and Dens to kids’ Sunday kick-abouts.
Each Thursday TV presenter and author Martel Maxwell gives her opinions on a range of subjects from the latest celebrity gossip to the everyday issues affecting Dundee families.

DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

My Weekly reveals the UK’s top retirement spots by comparing the most important considerations for retirees who are re-locating.
The magazine looked at the 11 most popular locations throughout the country with house-buyers over 60, comparing factors such as climate, house prices, healthcare and pastimes. Results are published in the magazine, with three ladies sharing their re-location experiences of Eastbourne, Kendal and Torquay.
My Weekly Features Editor Sally Rodger said, “The prospect of retirement brings with it a whole host of new possibilities and with that, multiple decisions to be made about living in a way that suits you in this exciting new phase of your life.
“This feature provides readers with must-know information on factors like crime in the area, transport links and average rainfall. These are all important considerations when thinking about the best mix of requirements for the perfect retirement lifestyle.”
‘UK’s Top Retirement Spots’ will appear in My Weekly issue dated May 23 alongside the title’s regular features, celebrity interviews, cookery section, advice and contemporary fiction, and goes on sale Tuesday 19th May 2015.

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For further information contact Rebecca Moncrieff, DC Thomson, 01382 575697 / rmoncrieff@dcthomson.co.uk.
Notes to Picture Editors:
Images courtesy of DC Thomson.
Notes to Editors:
My Weekly
My Weekly is a women’s magazine providing an inspiring mix of celebrity interviews, specially-commissioned cookery features, down-to-earth advice from expert columnists, and exclusive contemporary fiction. The first issue was published in April 1910, and over the last 100 years plus, My Weekly has been privileged to mark many momentous national occasions.
The magazine has a weekly average readership of over 200,000 and benefits from a growing subscription base plus volume retail sales across major multiples, specialist newsagents and independent retailers throughout the UK and overseas. Throughout the year, My Weekly produces a selection of bumper issues offering consumers special content and presentation. In addition to the weekly magazine, the brand includes My Weekly Pocket Novels, a fortnightly series of quick, easy reads by much loved authors designed to fit in a handbag or pocket, and the My Weekly Annual, a collection of short stories, recipes and more perfect for Christmas presents or a personal treat.
DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

Aberdeen title, the Evening Express, is running a ‘Front Pages of History’ series. Five magazine supplements will run nightly from Monday 11th to Friday 15th May 2015. The special series will focus on the title’s coverage of some of the biggest news events in history and each issue will include some of the most memorable and iconic front pages from the Evening Express.
This five-part collection, taken directly from the Evening Express archives, chronicles major events from past to present, including the D-day landings and the assassination of JFK. Also included is the story of the North-east body snatchers of the 1880s and the man known as the “Phantom” who was behind almost 100 break-ins in the area in the 1950s.
The first in the series will cover ‘World Events’ including the sinking of the Titanic and the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The remaining magazine supplements cover crimes and trials, major events, the changing face of the North-east and sport.
Evening Express Editor Alan McCabe said, “The first Evening Express was published on January 20th 1879 – and next week we are featuring some of the best front pages from the last 135 years in a series of special magazines.
“Sometimes shocking, sometimes tragic and, at times, beyond belief – the Evening Express is now giving readers the opportunity to see how we covered major local, national and international events all those years ago.”
The Evening Express ‘Front Pages of History’ series begins Monday 11th May 2015 and runs for five days.

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Notes to Picture Editors:
Cover of first in the ‘Front Pages of History’ series. Issue date: Monday 11th May 2015. D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. 2015
Notes to Editors:
Evening Express
The Evening Express is published six days a week and reaches more readers across its circulation area than any other newspaper. Two editions are printed daily allowing the Evening Express to get breaking news on to the streets of Aberdeen on the day the news happens.
The newspaper covers the north-east of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh. The Evening Express also features a portfolio of supplements across the week focussing on motors, property, jobs, eating out and entertainment as well as producing the free weekly newspaper the Aberdeen Citizen, picture pull-out The Aberdonian, the Green Final sports section and publishing the title’s website www.eveningexpress.co.uk.
Columnists include TV presenter Cat Cubie, Aberdeen Football Club legends Willie Miller and Joe Harper and Aberdeen’s former Lord Provost John Reynolds.
DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

Commando, DC Thomson’s action and adventure compact graphic novel, is re-releasing two special edition books to support Gurkha 200.
Re-released issues of Commando’s ‘Lone Gurkha’ and ‘Gurkhas to the Rescue’ commemorate 200 years of outstanding service to the Crown by the United Kingdom’s Brigade of Gurkhas.
The Commando books will be given to guests at The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers Dinner at The Tower of London in May.
Commando Editor Calum Laird said, “While Commando is a fiction series, the stories are set against an authentic background based in solid fact. That’s a problem with Gurkha tales as their true feats are so much more astonishing than anything we could make up in fiction.”
Speaking for the Gurkhas, Captain Charlie Hardaker from 70 Gurkha Field Squadron, The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers said, “This year the Brigade of Gurkhas commemorates 200 years of outstanding service and loyalty. Gurkhas have served in every major conflict and have conducted themselves with unparalleled distinction alongside their British counterparts.
“Today, Gurkhas are renowned for their graciousness, loyalty and courage. As reserved and mild-mannered in daily life as they are fearless and tenacious in battle, they are dignified people and excellent soldiers.”
Calum Laird explains, “These stories are testament to the exceptional dedication the Gurkha brigades give to the British Army.”
‘Lone Gurkha’ tells the story of a solitary Gurkha preparing to hold off a heavy Japanese assault. He comes from a family of warriors and now it is his turn to prove that he was a worthy owner of his razor-sharp kukri. ‘Gurkhas To The Rescue’ sees idealistic Lieutenant Tom Bell framed by his treacherous C.O. for a crime he did not commit. Fortunately, his fiercely loyal Gurkha platoon are prepared to follow him anywhere to prove his innocence.
‘Gurkhas to the Rescue’ (Issue 4808) and ‘Lone Gurkha’ (Issue 4810) go on sale in store and online Thursday 7th May.
Subscribe here. http://www.commandocomics.com/print-subscription

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For further information on Commando, DC Thomson, its brands and titles, please contact Rebecca Moncrieff on 01382 575697 / rmoncrieff@dcthomson.co.uk
Notes to Picture Editors:
Images courtesy of DC Thomson.
Notes to Editors:
COMMANDO
Commando is a 63-page compact graphic novel of around 135 black-and-white illustrated frames with text in panels and balloons to provide the narrative. It is wrapped in a full-colour cover that folds around the back of the book where you can find the trademark dagger and the back cover write-up. Between the covers lies the story fiction set against an authentic background based in solid fact.
GURKHA 200
Gurkha 200 is jointly celebrated by The Brigade of Gurkhas, The Gurkha Welfare Trust, The Gurkha Brigade Association and The Gurkha Museum.
DC THOMSON
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

Discovery Print, the printing arm of DC Thomson, has been Highly Commended in the category of Regional Newspaper Printer of the Year at the newsawards.
The awards, which are the only awards dedicated to celebrating the best in news media print, technology and business innovation, took place in London on Wednesday 29th April.
Speaking of Discovery Print, the judges said there was “great consistency across all titles and excellent use of colour.”. They added that products were, “Beautifully printed.”
Discovery Print Head of Production Guy Forrester commented, “It’s great to see Discovery Print be Highly Commended for Regional Newspaper Printer of the Year. Our state-of-the-art facilities allow us to do really innovative things such as producing micro-promotions using geocoded maps, barcodes and coupons. This accolade confirms that everything we’re doing is to the highest of standards.”
The newsawards also saw DC Thomson title, The Press and Journal, receive a commendation in the category of Regional Newspaper of the Year. Judges assessed the print quality over three issues together with commercial success. They described The Press and Journal as “exceptionally well-printed with great design.”
The Press and Journal Editor-in-Chief Damian Bates said, “We are delighted with these twin awards. They reflect a huge commitment by both our editorial and production teams to deliver high-quality newspapers every day for our readers and advertisers. And it’s not just one Press and Journal, but six editions for each of the communities we serve across the north and north-east of Scotland. It is a big challenge, but these successes are a reward for that commitment and investment.”

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Notes to Editors:
The Press and Journal
The Press and Journal features six distinct and varied editions which are produced each day and circulated across the north and north-east of Scotland. Each edition reflects community activity and interests of the individual area. The newspaper’s aim is to remain local and relevant to its readers while providing Scottish, national and international news.
The Press and Journal carries weekly supplements including Your Home, Your Car, Your Weekend and Your Life and a monthly Energy supplement. The Press and Journal also publishes occasional, quarterly and monthly supplements, including an Energy supplement.
DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. The company publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. It also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

DC Thomson has appointed Gareth Whelan in to the new role of Editor-in-Chief of Boys’ Magazines.
As Editor-in-Chief of DC Thomson’s Boys’ Magazines, Gareth will drive the strategic vision of portfolio publications WWE Kids and 110% Gaming, and oversee the launch of new magazine Thunderbirds Are Go.
DC Thomson’s Head of Publishing Neil O’Brien said, “I’m delighted by Gareth’s appointment. He’s done a fantastic job of editing WWE Kids for the past few years and his leadership and creativity on the launch of 110% Gaming really impressed me. It’s also worth pointing out that this appointment is a result of the growth of DC Thomson magazines. Not only do we have the impending launch of Thunderbirds Are Go but will be launching two other children’s’ magazines within the next year”.
Gareth said, “I’m thrilled to be the new Editor-In-Chief of Boys’ Magazines. This is a tremendous opportunity to lead a range of exciting titles and work alongside an outstanding editorial and design team. It’s an enormous privilege and responsibility and I can’t wait to get started.”
Gareth is currently Editor of WWE Kids and 110% Gaming and will take up his new post on Monday 27th April, when recruitment to back fill the role of Editor will begin.
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For interview requests please contact Rebecca Moncrieff on 01382 575697, rmoncrieff@dcthomson.co.uk.
Notes to Editors:
110% GAMING110% Gaming, is aimed at eight to 12 year-old kids and focuses on multi-platform gaming and entertainment.
The magazine features imaginative, creative and fun content with a humorous entertainment focus and includes funny stories, age appropriate video clips, multi-platform gaming reviews, top tips and exclusive covermount giveaways. Digital platforms complement 110% Gaming which include an interactive website with age-appropriate reader content, YouTube channel featuring clips, hints and tips and social media.
WWE KIDS
WWE Kids Magazine is the official WWE Magazine for kids in the UK. Out every four weeks, WWE Kids Mag has exclusive access to top WWE Superstars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar and Daniel Bryan.
DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. The company publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. It also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

Two DC Thomson journalists picked up coveted awards at the 36thannual Scottish Press Awards in Glasgow last night.
With over 400 awards submissions this year, the competition was fierce at the awards ceremony which took place at the Radisson BLU in Glasgow, hosted by Tam Cowan.
Young Journalist of the Year went to Darren Hamilton of the Evening Telegraph. Editor Richard Prest said, “It’s a fantastic achievement for Darren and we are hugely proud of his success. It’s also really gratifying that Bryan Copland was named as runner up and Will Lyon was shortlisted in the same category.”

The Press and Journal Business Editor, Erikka Askeland, took home Financial Business Journalist of the Year. Deputy Editor of The Press and Journal David Knight said, “We are delighted for Erikka. Her talent, hard work and perseverance have been recognised by both her peers in the industry and independent judges from respected Scottish organisations. We have won this award two years in a row, which shows that The Press and Journal is at the forefront of business/financial reporting in Scotland”. The Press and Journal was also runner-up in Campaign of the Year for their Fair Deal on Energy Prices campaign.

In Dennis and Gnasher Blast in Beanotown, the mayor has banned all fun and grumpy adults patrol the streets. Players join Dennis and Gnasher in a battle to put the fun back in to Beanotown. The game features real-time multiplayer battling, allowing players to work as a team or go head-to-head with friends and family.
Dennis and Gnasher Blast in Beanotown offers three different game modes – Beanotown Football, Dennis Defence and Menace Mayhem*, and a range of fun gadgets allow players to ‘blast’ pesky adults with including rotten tomatoes, stinky mud and trash. Players can also collect resources and upgrade gadgets with the aim of becoming the ultimate menace. View the trailer for the Dennis & Gnasher Blast in Beanotown gamehere.
The new game forms part of a digital expansion for The Beano brand which has also seen Dennis and Gnasher launch in Minecraft and on App Store with Dennis & Gnasher Adventures! and Where’s Dennis (and Gnasher). Project Lead Mark Cotton said, “Dennis and Gnasher Blast in Beanotown is an exciting new launch for us. We have bottled up the innocent mischief, humour and energy of The Beano and transported it into a brand new genre.
“We found that parents felt there was a lack of games that were engaging and fun for kids, but also could be trusted to be age appropriate and free of aggressive, unlimited in-app purchases. Dennis and Gnasher Blast in Beanotown promotes fun, safe, social play.”
Mark adds, “Our play tests with kids have shown us that the game appeals really strongly to both young and old fans of The Beano plus those new to the brand.”
Frima Studios CEO Steve Couture said, “ The wackiness of the brand has allowed our team to be very creative for the gameplay. This has resulted in a game that is innovative, fun and highly social.”
To download the appclick here.

The Scots Magazine is releasing its stable of archived columns by world-renowned adventurer and naturalist, Tom Weir. The columns will be published on the title’s website continuing the celebrations that marked 100 years since his birth in December of last year. The Scots Magazine will post a new column every Friday on www.scotsmagazine.com.
Weir produced monthly column, ‘My Month’, for The Scots Magazine for more than 50 years. In his columns he reflected on the natural beauty of his home country, focusing on life in Scotland’s countryside. His columns are widely known for his keen sense of observation and his shrewdly humorous style of writing. Tom Weir was one of the first to raise awareness about the environment and natural heritage which he talks about in many of his columns.
The Scots Magazine Editor Robert Wight said, “To celebrate Tom’s life and introduce a new generation to his remarkable work we’ve decided to republish his columns on our website. Every Friday, we’ll publish a classic column, starting from 1975. Each is beautifully written and gives a fascinating insight into a way of Scottish life that, in some ways, has changed utterly but, in others, seems hardly to have changed at all.”
Tom’s columns are currently being published on The Scots Magazine website. For further details visit www.scotsmagazine.com.
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Notes to Editors:
The Scots Magazine
The Scots Magazine is a glossy, monthly magazine focussed on Scotland her People, Places, Culture and Leisure. It features some of the finest writing on all Scottish life plus stunning photography showcasing Scotland’s cities and wild spaces in all their glory.
Believed to be the oldest magazine still in publication, it was first published on 9th February 1739 (in 2014 the magazine celebrated its 250th anniversary), as a 48-page pamphlet, priced sixpence monthly. It was edited and printed in Edinburgh.
With a monthly average readership of over 200,000 The Scots Magazine is the world’s best-selling Scottish-interest publication. It boasts a very healthy subscription base, plus newsstand sales in Scotland, the wider UK and overseas.
DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

In spite of being a nation of crossword lovers, with over 12 million Brits attempting crosswords weekly, cryptic crosswords are seen by many as the reserve of the super-intelligent. Puzzler Media the UK’s largest creator of puzzles – has unveiled a new magazine, Cryptic Crosswords, designed to unlock cryptics for a wider audience.
The new 64-page magazine includes a guide to solving cryptic crosswords defining the terminology used for cracking the puzzles, together with a series of ‘warm-up’ puzzles created specifically to get solvers into the cryptic mindset.
Whilst crosswords are found globally, the cryptic version containing anagrams, homonyms and other forms of word play are unique to Britain. Part of the puzzle’s success is down to the variation and versatility of the English language, which allows for crossword setters and solvers to engage in elaborate word play.
Notoriously employed by the British government as a recruitment tool for code breakers, the famous “Bletchley Park recruitment” crossword identified both men and women with a natural talent for logic and problem solving and has long since been regarded as the puzzle for the brilliant. However, the new offering from Puzzler Media, breaks this myth proving that the cryptic crossword is not to be feared and, with practice, anyone could meet Alan Turing’s entry requirement.
Catherine Filby, Editor of Cryptic Crosswords, comments, “Cryptic crosswords are enigmatic puzzles, as solvers need to apply lateral thinking and not just factual knowledge in order to complete them; most of the time, the answer is held within the clue and puzzlers can spend hours looking for an answer that is written on the page in front of them.
“We find many people shy away from cryptic crosswords, believing they are too difficult, however, the new magazine is devised to demystify the cryptic clues. In fact, cryptic crosswords are often more accessible, as they do not require the same general knowledge needed to complete a standard crossword. As a result, completing a cryptic crossword can incite a greater sense of satisfaction than any other type of puzzle, which also means it doesn’t take long for a puzzler to become hooked.”
Puzzler Media’s Cryptic Crosswords, is a bi-monthly magazine, which launches on 18 March 2015. It is available to buy for £2.50 in Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, WH Smith and at all good newsagents.
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Notes to editors
Puzzler Media Limited
Puzzler Media is the UK’s largest puzzle content provider, with over 40 years of puzzling expertise.
Puzzler Media produces a range of magazines, books, puzzles, card games, and apps across a number of digital platforms, including mobile phones, tablets, as well as online.
The company is synonymous with producing high quality puzzles. It is best known for its comprehensive range of puzzle magazines including The Puzzler and its sister title, Puzzler Collection, which is the UK’s best-selling puzzle magazine and always appears in the ABC Annual Top 100.
In addition to its own titles, Puzzler Media supplies bespoke print and digital puzzles to numerous national and regional newspapers, as well as a variety of consumer magazines, generating almost a quarter of a million puzzles every year.
Puzzler Media is the market leading puzzle publisher in the UK and also has successful magazine businesses in both Australia and New Zealand.

The Scots Magazine’s April issue features a five page interview with Sir David Attenborough in which he discusses his love of Scotland and warns of the dangers of global warming on Scotland’s ‘highly specialised’ wildlife. He also cites the Bass Rock bird sanctuary as his favourite local filming moment.
Speaking of Scotland’s ‘inherent beauty’ Sir David states, “Scotland is a wonderfully fascinating place for wildlife and nature. It has, in my opinion, some of the most marvellous landscapes and wildlife spectacles you will find anywhere.”
Among his favourite places to visit in Scotland, he name-checks the Cairngorms as being “truly wonderful desolate and sometimes dangerous” and suggests that visiting the Scottish Seabird Centre jewel Bass Rock remains his favourite local filming memory, “It was a truly wonderful experience. I loved everything about it. It was everything I could have possibly hoped for, and to see the gannets in their habitat was spectacular.”
The April issue of The Scots Magazine goes on general sale Thursday 19th March 2015.
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Notes to editors:The Scots MagazineThe Scots Magazine is a glossy, monthly magazine focussed on Scotland her People, Places, Culture and Leisure. It features some of the finest writing on all Scottish life plus stunning photography showcasing Scotland’s cities and wild spaces in all their glory.
Believed to be the oldest magazine still in publication, it was first published on 9th February 1739 (in 2014 the magazine celebrated its 250th anniversary), as a 48-page pamphlet, priced sixpence monthly. It was edited and printed in Edinburgh.
With a monthly average readership of over 200,000 The Scots Magazine is the world’s best-selling Scottish-interest publication. It boasts a very healthy subscription base, plus newsstand sales in Scotland, the wider UK and overseas.
Facebook: /TheScotsMagazine and Twitter: @ScotsMagazine
DC ThomsonDC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

The Beano celebrates Red Nose Day with a red and gold pop art inspired cover. Unlike any previous covers, it features Dennis the Menace’s many faces (and noses) to encourage readers to support Red Nose Day’s ‘make your face funny for money’ campaign. The special issue of The Beano goes on sale Wednesday 11th March 2015.
The cover is the creation of Dennis the Menace illustrator Nigel Parkinson, and is inspired by an illustration from a vintage The Beano Annual. To celebrate the special issue, the cover also features a rarely-used gold metallic ink. The ink is used by the title to mark significant occasions, and has only been used once before, to celebrate Jessica Ennis-Hill winning Gold at the 2012 Olympics. In the Red Nose Day Special, Red Nose Day comes to Bash Street School. Competition hots up as Dennis the Menace, Minnie the Minx and the Bash Street Kids all enter the funny face contest. Determined to win at all costs, mischievous troublemaker Dennis the Menace enlists the help of his dog, Gnasher, to scare Teacher off letting anyone else win. The funny face competition takes a number of turns, including Bananaman aka Little Eric’s secret identity almost being revealed, Lord Snooty being disqualified for cheating (shock horror) and Plug finally winning the ‘Funniest Face of Bash Street School’ award despite thinking it was a beauty contest! The Beano Editor Craig Graham said, “This week’s special issue sees The Beano celebrating all things Red Nose Day. We want to encourage our readers to get involved with the ‘make your face funny for money’ campaign, and Dennis and the gang show them how to do just that, albeit in the most mischievous way possible. “We also hope that fans of the comic will like the cover we’ve created. It’s based on some beautiful classic artwork from a vintage Beano Annual and we thought it perfect for this occasion; the number of frames fits the number of Red Nose Day noses perfectly it was clearly meant to be!” The special Red Nose Day issue of The Beano goes on sale Wednesday 11th March 2015. Red Nose Day returns on Friday 13th March, and this year the public have been asked to ‘make your face funny for money’. For more information on Red Nose Day, go to www.rednoseday.com.
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Notes to Editors:The BeanoThe Beano is the quintessential British children’s comic, first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and still printed weekly. It reaches hundreds of thousands* of children every week. The Beano is best known for its famed characters such as Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, The Bash Street Kids and Minnie the Minx. The spin-off animation series, Dennis and Gnasher is exported around the world and is one of the highest rated shows on CBBC. *TGI Youth Spring 2014, The Beano readership, 528,000. DC ThomsonDC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services. About Red Nose Day / Comic Relief Red Nose Day 2015 is heading your way on Friday 13th March when the great British public will be asked to ‘Make Your Face Funny for Money’. By raising cash this Red Nose Day, you’re helping to change lives forever. That’s because Comic Relief spends the money raised to help change the lives of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the UK and Africa. Red Nose Day comes along every two years and combines two very British things: having a laugh and helping others. Be it at school, work or home, people across the land put on Red Noses and pull out all the stops to raise as much money as possible. Then, once everyone’s run out of fundraising juice, they tune into BBC One for some top entertainment from their favourite comedians and to donate even more cash! And why do they do it? To help poor and vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives both here in the UK and in Africa Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)

DC Thomson Consumer Products publishing programme for The Beano and its star characters Dennis the Menace and Gnasher continues to go from strength to strength with the licensor today celebrating that its book release The Diary of Dennis the Menace: World Menace Day has been named a World Book Day title.
In partnership with Penguin Group UK, DC Thomson recently launched a highly successful children’s fiction series based on the irrepressible comic strip character. The Diaries of Dennis the Menace book series became the best-selling young fiction launch of last year, selling almost 115,000 copies across the range to date.
Following the remarkable success of the range, The Diary of Dennis the Menace has been selected as a World Book Day 2015 title; a unique achievement for a work of licensed fiction. The Diary of Dennis the Menace: World Menace Day will give young fans the opportunity to read all about The Beano’s most popular character’s hilarious antics, penned in his own words with a range of pictures, puzzles and mazes. Targeting kids aged 7+, it is one of ten titles selected for World Book Day that children will be able to redeem with one of the 14 million National Book Tokens that will be distributed to schools in the UK.
Now in its 18th year, World Book Day 2015 is being supported by a nationwide wide tour entitled “The Biggest Show on Earth”, which is set to reach 14,000 children across the country. Steven Butler, author of The Diary of Dennis the Menace series, will compre the tour which spans 10 locations including Norwich, Preston, Glasgow and Dublin.
Leading costume design and manufacturers Rubies will support the licensor’s World Book Day activity with its latest range of Dennis the Menace children’s dress up. The line offers children aged three to 10 years the chance to dress as their favourite menace in his trademark stripy top, black shorts and mask. DC Thomson will also launch an exclusive promotional video publicising the title which will be shown on the official Dennis the Menace and Gnasher YouTube channel.
Tim Collins, Head of Brands at DC Thomson said, “We’re honoured that The Diary of Dennis the Menace has been chosen as a World Book Day title and we’re thrilled that it will be a part of the largest celebration of reading for children. Not only is this recognition a fantastic achievement for the brand but it’s also testament to its enduring popularity. Dennis and Gnasher have successfully made the leap from comic strip to young fiction novels and proven that the appetite for these characters on the printed page has never been greater.”
Notes to Editors:
DC ThomsonDC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.
The BeanoThe Beano is the quintessential British children’s comic, first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and still printed weekly. It reaches hundreds of thousands* of children every week. The Beano is best known for its famed characters such as Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, The Bash Street Kids and Minnie the Minx. The spin-off animation series, Dennis and Gnasher is exported around the world and is one of the highest rated shows on CBBC.
*TGI Youth Spring 2014, The Beano readership, 528,000

Regional daily titles, The Press and Journal and The Courier, have posted increased year-on-year readership figures of 2.7%*.
According to the latest National Readership Survey the newspaper titles also posted a joint 11.4% period-on-period readership increase.
The Courier Editor Richard Neville said, “I’m delighted to see The Courier bucking the trend and posting positive National Readership Survey figures. Local news is at the heart of the paper, and this increase, goes to show that there continues to be a strong appetite within Courier country for local news.”
Both titles have seen a growth in key demographic of 25 to 34 year-olds which has seen a readership increase of 32% year-on-year.
The Press and Journal Editor-in-Chief Damian Bates adds, “The Press and Journal is an important part of life in the North of Scotland. The newspaper brings readers the local and national news that’s important to them and it’s great to see the editorial team being rewarded by continued readership growth, particularly within the 25 to 34 year-old age bracket.”
The Press and Journal and The Courier have also posted strong website results. Year-on-year the two websites are up 51% to 6.1 million monthly pageviews.
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* Figures courtesy of the National Readership Survey 2015
Notes to Editors:The CourierThe Courier is one of Britain’s biggest regional morning newspapers and is an established title in east central Scotland. Withfive daily editions, The Courier provides in-depth local news for Stirlingshire, Perthshire, Fife, Angus and The Mearns and Dundee. Teams of reporters based in our offices in Dundee, Perth, Kirkcaldy and Arbroath have excellent knowledge of local issues and fill more than six pages a day of news from their patches. At The Courier, we believe that Local Matters and that is exactly what you will find in our pages and on our website.
The Press and JournalThe Press and Journal features six distinct and varied editions which are produced each day and circulated across the north and north-east of Scotland. Each edition reflects community activity and interests of the individual area. The newspaper’s aim is to remain local and relevant to its readers while providing Scottish, national and international news. The Press and Journal carries weekly supplements including Your Home, Your Car, Your Weekend and Your Life and a monthly Energy supplement. The Press and Journal also publishes occasional, quarterly and monthly supplements, including an Energy supplement.
DC ThomsonDC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

DC Thomson Consumer Products announces new products and partners in the gifting and homewares categories for The Beano and its stars Dennis the Menace and Gnasher as it gears up for this year’s Spring Fair (1st-5th February, NEC Birmingham).
Tim Collins, Head of Brands, DC Thomson says, “Spring Fair is an integral platform to showcase our partners’ ranges. We have clearly differentiated design themes for our kids and adult products, and as such we have developed a segmented approach for our Beano portfolio. Classic artwork is used on high quality products that cater for the adult gift market, whilst the more lively Dennis the Menace and Gnasher ranges target our younger audience who know and love the prankster duo from the leading CBBC TV series, digital apps and recent publishing titles. We are confident that our licensing partners and their key lines will triumph at the show.”
Leading the slate of DC Thomson licensees exhibiting the Dennis the Menace and Gnasher licensing programme at Spring Fair 2015 is Rubies that will present its latest Dennis the Menace dress-up for kids and adults at the show. The line offers children aged three to ten years a chance to dress as their favourite menace and includes a top, shorts and mask, in addition to an adult costume which also features a top, shorts and wig in a variety of sizes. Rubies will also welcome The Beano artist, Kev Sutherland to the stand on Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd February to meet visitors and illustrate signed caricatures.
Confectionery manufacturer and distributor, Rose Confectionery will unveil its innovative line of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher and The Beano treats which features the Pick Or Prank Desktop sweet dispenser, the Old Fashioned Sweet Shop tin complete with sweet jars, the Sweet Selection Tin plus exclusive comic, Winter Warmer Mugs which include quirky mug jerseys and the Pranks Halloween Coffin. Visitors to the stand will also have the chance to tuck in to the giant Pick or Prank sweet dispenser stand.
Meanwhile, party decorations and accessories manufacturer, Neviti will showcase its vibrant Dennis the Menace and Gnasher partyware line for kids including plates, cups, napkins, treat tubs, bowls, lunch boxes, party bags, balloons, bunting, invitations and name stickers, whilst Trademark Collections will be exhibiting its Dennis the Menace and Gnasher accessories range which features a novelty backpack, plain backpack, wallet and lunch bag. Blue Sky will present its innovative selection of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher stationery items such as notebooks, pencil cases, erasers, pencils and rulers which are all set to hit retail from Q4.
Representing the classic The Beano programme is The Lagoon Group that will launch its extensive line of fun retro The Beano games and practical joke products at this year’s show. Targeting loyal fans and kids, the practical joke range features a variety of gifting ideas ideal for pranksters such as Fake Cockroach, Gnasher Poop, Rattlesnack Eggs, Dirty Soap and Relighting Candles, in addition to a range of games including the Spud Gun, Catapult, Jacks, Marbles and Water Pistol. Products are all due to hit UK retail from February 2015.
British gifting manufacturer Castlemelamine will also showcase a selection of The Beano accessories including magnets, badges, tablemats, mouse mats, cushion trays, notepads and coasters. Castlemelamine has also been commended for its latest Classic Beano Set which features a badge set, magnet set and exercise book in the ‘Gift of the Year’ competition where the firm have been shortlisted into the branded/character category.
151 Products will present its range of The Beano Air Fresheners that will be available in a variety of grocers and independent retailers throughout the UK and Ireland. 151 have also recently signed to extend its line with DC Thomson Consumer Products and develop a range of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher toiletries to launch in the near future. Gibson Games will exhibit its popular line of puzzles which feature a Beano 1000pc puzzle with an exclusive Beano comic and the Dennis & Gnasher puzzle, whilst Signature Gifts will be at the show displaying its range of personalised gifting items such as The Beano calendars, books and mugs which are available through leading online retailers. Further licensees at the show include GB Eye for branded posters and Hype for a collection of greeting cards.
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Notes to Editors:
The Beano
The Beano is the quintessential British children’s comic, first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and still printed weekly. It reaches hundreds of thousands* of children every week. The Beano is best known for its famed characters such as Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, The Bash Street Kids and Minnie the Minx. The spin-off animation series, Dennis and Gnasher is exported around the world and is one of the highest rated shows on CBBC.
*TGI Youth Spring 2014, The Beano readership, 528,000.
DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

Dundee title, the Evening Telegraph, is to launch a ‘Front Pages of History’ series. Five magazine supplements will run nightly from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th February 2015. The special series will focus on the title’s coverage of some of the biggest news events in history and each issue will include some of the Evening Telegraph’s most memorable and iconic front pages.
The first in the series will cover ‘World Events’ and features two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the assassination of JFK and the Queen’s coronation. It also takes a look back at the first Evening Telegraph ever published. The second, titled ‘Local Crimes’, includes coverage of some of the most notorious murders in Tayside such as the Templeton Woods killings, the Gow’s gun shop tragedy and the infamous Arbroath head on the beach case. The third supplement will look at the changing face of Dundee; from the Tay Rail Bridge disaster to the Morgan Academy fire and the V&A development, while the fourth, on ‘Dundee Life’, features front pages covering the Timex dispute, the day Ford walked away from Dundee and the city’s reaction to the referendum vote. The final supplement will take a look at a subject which is close to Dundonians’ hearts sport. It features archive pages marking Dundee FC winning the league, Dundee Utd’s European exploits and local athletes’ glories on the world stage.
Evening Telegraph Editor Richard Prest said, “The Evening Telegraph is a Dundee institution and has brought readers all the latest news, from home and abroad, for 137 years.
“To see how our former colleagues covered some of the biggest stories in history is absolutely fascinating.”
The Evening Telegraph ‘Front Pages of History’ series begins Monday 2nd February 2015 and runs for five days.
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Notes to Picture Editors:
Cover of first in the ‘Front Pages of History’ series. Issue date: Monday 2nd February 2015. D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. 2015

Notes to Editors:
Evening Telegraph
The Evening Telegraph has been delivering the news and fighting for its readers since 1877. The title has seen many changes including a redesign, had its pagination increased and seen the launch of its new website www.thetele.co.uk.
The Evening Telegraph provides unrivalled football coverage, from the latest news at Tannadice and Dens to kids’ Sunday kick-abouts.
Each Thursday TV presenter and author Martel Maxwell gives her opinions on a range of subjects from the latest celebrity gossip to the everyday issues affecting Dundee families.
DC Thomson
DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

Discovery Print, the printing arm of DC Thomson, is to install a Kodak digital print head, becoming one of only two businesses in the UK to invest in the technology.
Kodak’s Prosper S-Series Imprinting System (digital print head) is expected to be fitted in February 2015. The digital print head will provide Discovery Print with the ability to produce bespoke newspapers capable of featuring unique advertising and marketing content.
It will also allow the business to produce micro-promotions using geocoded maps, barcodes and coupons and localised information including personalised text and images. The innovative solution will operate alongside the company’s existing full press running speed of 90,000 copies per hour.
Discovery Print and DC Thomson Head of Operations (Newspapers), Guy Forester said, “The digital print head is an exciting proposition for the business and its clients who can combine print with web and mobile based marketing and advertising which, in turn, allows for enhanced measurability.
“In terms of what it offers our own titles, we print DC Thomson’s regional and weekly newspaper titles and the print head provides us with the ability to produce tailored marketing and advertising initiatives and campaigns via uniquely printed barcodes and coupons or more targeted campaigns for our advertisers.
“The addition to our print facility sets us apart from competitors allowing us to offer additional services to current and prospective contract print clients that are relatively rare within the UK marketplace.”
Kodak Newspaper Sales Manager, UK & Ireland, Mark Humphreys adds, “We’re delighted that Discovery Print has chosen to install Kodak’s Prosper S-Series Imprinting System. The installation will provide Discovery Print with valuable hybrid options to its lithographic press, which can change the dynamic of its market offering enormously. The potential that the Kodak Prosper heads has in terms of increased diversification and overall profitability is a particularly exciting one and we look forward to seeing Discovery Print go from strength to strength.”
Further information on Discovery Print’s product range and current portfolio can be found at www.discoveryprint.co.uk.
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Notes to Picture Editors:
Image of Kodak Prosper digital print head. Image courtesy of Kodak.
Notes to Editors:
DC Thomson DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. The company publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. It also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

DC Thomson’s mischievous title, The Beano, has launched its first fully interactive story app Dennis & Gnasher Adventures! Voiced by Chris Johnson from hit CBBC show Dennis & Gnasher, the app is available across iOS platforms. It is free to download and currently available from the App Store.
Developed in partnership with LivoBooks, the Dennis & Gnasher Adventures! app follows the naughty duo as they battle against the zombies of Beanotown. The app features a four-part story which allows for camera integration giving players the opportunity to join Dennis and the gang as part of the story. Users can earn points and badges as games are completed and leaderboards give players the opportunity to track and compare their progress with that of friends.
The app is part of a digital expansion that has also seen The Beano launch in Minecraft. Mark Cotton, who is leading the project said, “The app combines the amazing characters, humour and storytelling of The Beano with interactive features and gameplay. It places players inside the story, causing mischief right alongside Dennis and Gnasher.”
“We also listened to the needs of parents when designing the app. We found that parents were looking for products that were not simply games, and that were trusted to be age-appropriate. We feel that Dennis & Gnasher Adventures! really delivers on this.
“Throughout the story, there are loads of hidden activities and challenges so kids can enjoy it time and time again. Just like The Beano, it makes great family fun and should make mum and dad chuckle too.
“The app is part of an exciting expansion for The Beano – including two further apps launching early in 2015.”
Part one of the story is free to download from the App Store now. You can view a trailer for Dennis & Gnasher Adventures! here. To download the app click here.
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Notes to Editors:The Beano The Beano is the quintessential British children’s comic, first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and still printed weekly. It reaches hundreds of thousands* of children every week. The Beano is best known for its famed characters such as Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, The Bash Street Kids and Minnie the Minx. The spin-off BAFTA nominated animation series, Dennis and Gnasher is exported around the world and is one of the highest rated shows on CBBC.
*TGI Youth Spring 2014, The Beano readership, 528,000.
LivoBooks Based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, LivoBooks is a pioneer in the book app market. With a growing portfolio of digital applications and interactive books, LivoBooks apps enrich the lives of tech-savvy kids through entertainment and education. Working with global partners such as DC Thomson, Warner Bros and Discovery Channel, LivoBooks apps have reached the top rankings in the United States, France, Germany, Spain and in several Latin America countries.
DC ThomsonDC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

DC Thomson’s eight newspaper and magazine travel websites have undergone a refresh.
From January 2015 customers will enjoy an enhanced user experience that is optimised for mobile and tablet use.
The newspaper travel sites, Evening Express, Evening Telegraph, Sunday Post, The Courier and The Press and Journal, and magazine sites for My Weekly, The People’s Friend and The Scots Magazine will continue to be branded by title and offer improved search functionality allowing customers to explore by mode of travel, price and destination. The travel websites also offer a blog and are ABTA & ATOL approved.
DC Thomson Travel Marketing Manager Susan Mackay who worked on the refresh said, “These new reader travel websites continue to showcase a tremendous variety of tours and destinations fromexploring the UK to discovering Europe and further afield.
“Customers can join our mailing list which allows priority access to limited availability holiday offers by visiting their chosen website.”
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DC Thomson Consumer Products today announces that The Beano Annual 2015is the number one annual* in the UK and one of the best-selling children’s Christmas books of 2014.
Following a spectacular thirteen week takeover event at London’s St Pancras International and an extensive marketing campaign in the lead up to Christmas, DC Thomson Consumer Products today confirmed that the iconic Beano Annual has secured the highly coveted No.1 spot, yet again.
Since launching over 75 years ago, The Beano Annual continues to be a household favourite and has secured the number one spot for 13 out of the last 21 years. This year’s Annual cover features star characters Dennis the Menace and Gnasher catching the Beanotown Express train from London’s St Pancras International station.
The Beano Annual 2015 sold over £1 million in retail sales value in the run up to Christmas, selling over 50% more than the No.2 spot by sales value and beating its rivals such as LEGO, Peppa Pig, Doctor Who and One Direction to the number one position. Additionally, DC Thomson’s classic The Dandy annual also enjoyed further success and reached the No.9 spot at Christmas, an 18% increase from last year in sales volume.
Packed full of all new content, stories and activities across 112 pages, both The Beano Annual and The Dandy are great value for money and firm favourites. Trusted and widely recognised by families, the annuals are hugely popular purchases not only amongst younger fans but also with parents who are looking for Christmas stocking fillers or gift ideas.
Tim Collins, Head of Brands, DC Thomson comments: “Each year, we strive to make each one of our annuals rich in content and with more pages than any other on the market. The purchase of a Beano Annual is a classic British tradition that has been shared amongst families for many generations, so it’s vital that we continue to meet the expectations of our loyal fans and a real privilege to have that effort recognized this way. We fought off some tough competition this year and with the support of our experiential marketing campaign at St Pancras International, we’re thrilled that The Beano Annual 2015 was a massive success.”
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Notes to Editors:
*figures sourced from Nielsen BookData
The BeanoThe Beano is the quintessential British children’s comic, first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and still printed weekly. It reaches hundreds of thousands* of children every week. The Beano is best known for its famed characters such as Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, The Bash Street Kids and Minnie the Minx. The spin-off animation series, Dennis and Gnasher is exported around the world and is one of the highest rated shows on CBBC.
*TGI Youth Spring 2014, The Beano readership, 528,000.
DC ThomsonDC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. DC Thomson publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. The company also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.

DC Thomson titles secure exclusive in-depth interview with former First Minister of Scotland.
In an exclusive interview with DC Thomson daily titles, The Press and Journal and The Courier, Alex Salmond revealed that he doesn’t want another referendum he wants The Vow to be delivered by securing full control of all powers except foreign policy and defence.
The previous First Minister disclosed his thoughts yesterday (WED 7th) in a revealing and insightful meeting with the DC Thomson newspaper titles; his most in-depth post-referendum interview to date.
In paper today, (THURS 8th) Alex Salmond states, “We are not campaigning for a second referendum we’ve had a referendum. Another referendum is a matter for the future.
“This Westminster election is about delivering to Scotland what was promised. I am determined that these promises are now redeemed, and the way to do that is to elect a block of SNP MPs they are the real guarantors of The Vow.
“That’s what the campaign is. Nothing else it’s to deliver what was promised to us.”
Launching today (THURS) in The Courier and The Press and Journal, the series featuring Alex Salmond will reveal his true feelings on Gordon Brown, his aim to win the ‘war at Westminster’, what it was like to be First Minister of Scotland and the worst and best moments of his time in office.
From Monday 12th January 2015, the titles have secured a weekly column by Alex Salmond which will feature his straight talking views. Salmond says, “You might love the views in my column. You might hate them. You won’t be able to ignore them.”
Alex Salmond joins a number of well-known names who write for the DC Thomson titles including The Press and Journal columnists Iain Maciver and Ron Ferguson and The Courier’s Eve Muirhead and Jim Crumley.
The Alex Salmond interview series will run from Thursday 8th January 2015 in both The Press and Journal and The Courier. It will be available from www.thecourier.co.uk and www.thepressandjournal.co.uk one day after appearing in-title. The weekly column begins on Monday 12th January 2015.
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Notes to Editors:The CourierThe Courier is one of Britain’s biggest regional morning newspapers and is an established title in east central Scotland. With five daily editions, The Courier provides in-depth local news for Perthshire, Fife, Angus and The Mearns and Dundee. Teams of reporters based in our offices in Dundee, Perth, Kirkcaldy and Arbroath have excellent knowledge of local issues and fill more than six pages a day of news from their patches. At The Courier, we believe that Local Matters and that is exactly what you will find in our pages and on our website.
The Press and JournalThe Press and Journal features six distinct and varied editions which are produced each day and circulated across the north and north-east of Scotland. Each edition reflects community activity and interests of the individual area. The newspaper’s aim is to remain local and relevant to its readers while providing Scottish, national and international news. The Press and Journal carries weekly supplements including Your Home, Your Car, Your Weekend and Your Life and a monthly Energy supplement. The Press and Journal also publishes occasional, quarterly and monthly supplements, including an Energy supplement.
DC ThomsonDC Thomson & Co Ltd is a private company and one of the leading publishing houses in the UK. The company’s headquarters is in Dundee, Scotland, with a London base in Fleet Street. The company publishes newspapers, magazines, comics and books. It also has interests in radio, printing, retailing and online services.