April news
Life's a picnic on Southsea Common
People living in Portsmouth are being encouraged to vote for Southsea Common as the UK's favourite picnic spot in this year's Warburtons Picnic Awards.
Warburtons - Britain's favourite family baker - is hosting the second annual awards in the build up to this year's National Bread Week from 5 to 11 May, which celebrates the Great British picnic and the UK's love of loaves.
Up against nine other picnic spots across the south east, Southsea Common will battle it out in the regional heat to become the 'Best Picnic Spot' with the chance to represent the region in the national final.
During the final heat, the south east winner will go head to head with other regional winners from across the UK for the coveted title of 'Warburtons Best Picnic Spot 2008'. The overall winner will receive £1,000 cash bursary for the site and a plaque to mark it out as the UK's favourite place to picnic. Each regional winner will also be presented with a £500 bursary towards the maintenance of the site, ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy picnics in the future.
Stephen Baily, Head of Cultural Services for Portsmouth City Council, which owns Southsea Common, said: "The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate one of our cultural traditions and highlight the most popular spots for a family picnic.
"Southsea Common has always been a great place to enjoy some al fresco food, fresh air and open spaces. So get voting and help us win the regional or national awards, and put us in the top place for a picnic."
To vote for Southsea Common and be in with a chance of winning a family picnic in Central Park, New York, log on to www.welovebread.co.uk and register your vote today. Alternatively, send your vote to c/o Brand Development, Warburtons, Hereford House, Bolton, BL1 8JB.
The closing date for the regional round is Friday 16 May with the south east regional winner announced the week beginning 2 June.