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For Immediate Release March 8th, 2010

Doncaster Book Awards 'Racing' Artwork Heralds Forthcoming Event Finale At Doncaster Racecourse (March 26th)

Thursday, February 26th saw the Doncaster Book Awards launched in style at Doncaster Racecourse, showcasing an innovative style of racing artwork designed by local artist, writer and illustrator the fantastic Phil Shepherd famous for his amazing alter-ego, Lollipop Man!

Designed to herald the forthcoming grand finale of the Doncaster Book Awards, the concept for the artwork was to link books with racing, to tie in with the award's change of venue for 2010. Featuring a racehorse mid-gallop, the piece was made by sticking real used books and pages onto the 'canvas' with the background comprising of cut-outs of book characters depicting the crowd watching the race (in the style of Sgt Pepper album cover).

The Awards committee commissioned Hexthorpe Primary School to produce the artwork and the images show how they have completely encapsulated the exhilaration of horse racing and the joy of reading amongst young people.

Pupils of Hexthorpe Primary school accompanied by Chair of the DBA Committee, Lesley Hurworth and Phil Sheppard were at the racecourse to promote the finale, as the venue displayed the artwork. Sharon Bennett, Marketing & PR Manager at Doncaster Racecourse said: "We are more than delighted to welcome Lesley, Phil and the children to the course and to have the opportunity to host the Doncaster Book Awards, this excellent initiative highlights just one of various ways in which we offer support to endorse education and the efforts to raise literacy in Doncaster and the local community".

Lesley Hurworth, Chair of the Doncaster Book Awards said: "We all said a big thank to the racecourse from the DBA committee for being so hospitable at our launch when we displayed the brilliant artwork, the children of Hexthorpe School absolutely loved it. The tour of the racecourse was particularly special and I'm sure those children will remember it for the rest of their lives. The children gave the horse the brilliant name "Bookie" and the jockey has now been named Frankie De-Story -demonstrating how involved and interested the children were in the project".

The Finale event for the project is due to take place at Doncaster Racecourse on Friday, March 26th, further details of the Doncaster Book Awards can be found on the website: http://www.doncasterbookaward.net/

END.

Images Attached: Artwork showing 'Bookie and Frankie De-Story' in action and the children of Hexthorpe Primary School (permission given by parents of all children shown in the photograph)

For full details for Doncaster Racecourse visit: www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk or call the Doncaster Racecourse sales team on: 01302 304200

For any further information relating to this release please contact:

Sharon Bennett - Marketing & PR Manager
Doncaster Racecourse
Tel: 01302 304202

Editors Notes:

Doncaster Racecourse, part of the Arena Leisure Plc Group of companies, is one of the UK's premier racecourses, one of the top five courses in the country and a world class Exhibition and Conference centre. The newly developed facility offers race goers and event/conference delegates a 'whole new experience' with state-of-the art facilities, including an impressive new five-storey grandstand.

To enhance the racing experience additional facilities and entertainment are provided at most meetings. The venue offers a choice of four enclosures from: The Family Enclosure - ideal for providing the children with an exhilarating alternative to virtual sports (PLEASE NOTE THE FAMILY ENCLOSURE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR ANY OF THE MUSIC NIGHTS DUE TO STAGE POSITIONING); The Grandstand - great for a fun day out with a choice of bars and catering outlets; The County Enclosure - provides access onto the County Lawn and Champagne & Seafood Bar and Silks Restaurant, and the exclusive Premier Suite that offers fabulous uninterrupted views of the course whilst providing the very best cuisine, service and facilities for its customers. With an extensive range of excellent catering outlets, bars and luxury dining areas, all tastes and budgets are catered for.