Ludorum, the global children’s entertainment specialist, will attend BLE 2013 to showcase the exciting developments of its global pre-school property, Chuggington – the action-packed and contemporary animated train series for pre-schoolers.  With brand new, high energy CGI episodes transmitting on CBeebies this Autumn, led by the first ever extended special – Chug Patrol: Ready to Rescue, coupled with exciting licensing and marketing plans, Ludorum will be a must engage with licensor at the show. 
Chuggington is well known for engaging pre-schoolers, and their parents, through energetic, vibrant and rich storytelling and a strong cast of aspirational characters and imaginative locations.  It also supports children’s social, emotional and personal development by promoting positive values such as honesty, loyalty, teamwork, self-belief, patience and friendship – ideals which are appreciated by parents and caregivers.  The new series continues to offer the perfect blend of content but now with even more action, adventure and excitement than ever before. 
The new series will feature more toyetic storylines with emphasis on train functionality which will serve to enhance Ludorum’s licensed product range – featuring its hero range Stack Track™ created by master toy manufacturer Tomy.  Stack Track is a unique train system which lets children build elevated tracks which combines classic train play and adventures with the versatility of multiple layouts and track extension packs. Tomy has invested in a robust TV advertising campaign from September.  CBeebies Magazine will also publish a Chuggington edition of the Cbeebies Specials publication, on sale 9th October, in addition to featuring within its weekly magazine. 
Immediately following the on-air launch of the series/special, a 3D interactive storybook app, developed by award winning Story Toys, entitled “Chug Patrol: Ready to Rescue”, will launch in on 5th September and will be supported by an extensive marketing and PR campaign. After the initial programme publicity, the marketing focus will turn to the refreshed Chuggington website (www.chuggington.com) which will feature a new online game – Chug Control Challenge. Ludorum has enlisted well-known digital agency Bionic to help take a new approach to the look and feel of the website, including a new separate parents section.
Ludorum is implementing a true 360° approach with the new series content cascading into every consumer touch point.  The new series will be supported by a heavily-weighted consumer programme publicity and product focused outreach, plus trade PR and social media activations throughout the remainder of 2013, all handled by entertainment and licensing specialists miPR.  The consultancy will work closely with CBeebies who will be supporting the new series with both on-air and online support, as well as Tomy, the master toy partner. 
Katie Rollings, marketing director, Ludorum says, “We made some bold statements at BLE last year about our plans for the evolution of the Chuggington brand and we are confident that we have delivered.  The progression of Chuggington will ensure the brand remains invigorating for our consumers, licensees and retailers. We look forward to engaging with interested parties at BLE to help developthis exciting brand even further.”
The impressive Chuggington stand will feature screens showing the new episodes as well as hero product Stack Track playing a pivotal role in the construction of the stand. Ludorum’s CEO Rob Lawes and Don Toht, executive producer and co-creator will be on the stand and will be available for comment. Ludorum will be releasing details of its plans for 2014 and beyond throughout the duration of the show, please visit the team at stand number E60 to find out more.
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For more information or for the opportunity to interview Ludorum spokespeople, please contact: 
Fern Milne, Cody Crook or Mary Lewis at mi-PR
Phone: 01494 775 250
Email: fern.milne@mi-pr.co.uk; cody.crook@mi-pr.co.uk; mary.lewis@mi-pr.co.uk
About Ludorum plc
Ludorum is a specialist in developing, building, acquiring and marketing global intellectual entertainment properties.  Its first global pre-school property is Chuggington™. Ludorum was co-founded and is managed by Rob Lawes (CEO) and formerly CEO of HIT Entertainment PLC which managed a strong portfolio of children’s properties including Bob the Builder™, Barney™, Thomas & Friends™, Pingu™ and Guinness World Records®, and by Dick Rothkopf (Chairman) and the co-founder and former CEO of Learning Curve, International, the company that held toy licenses for Thomas & Friends and other preschool properties.