Charlie's Ark is proud to be associated with WellChild - the official charity for the 2007 London Marathon. It was recently announced that Prince Harry is to be Patron of the charity. Charlie's Ark will support this worthwhile cause via promotions and fund raising.

The Mike Payne Studio Ltd through Licensing By Design Ltd are pleased to announce that the SALCO Group plc have signed a 5 year licence to produce Charlie's Ark Resin Figurines, Framed Prints and Wall Art Canvases, for a Spring Fair launch in February 2008.

Through Licensing By Design Ltd, the Mike Payne Studio Ltd is delighted to announce that Posh Paws have signed a 3 year licence to create a beautiful range of Charlie's Ark plush and Gift lines for a Spring 2008 launch.

Created by award winning illustrator Mike Payne, Charlie's Ark was successfully launched in June with a range of 68 sepia cards through The Great British Card Company, a division of The Paper House Group plc.

Plans are now in place to follow this success in the Autumn, with new designs developed for an on-going launch extensions.

The world of Charlie’s Ark has been beautifully brought to life in a new range of greeting cards launched exclusively by The Great British Card Company, which is part of Paper House, the largest independently owned card publisher in the UK.

Available in three sizes, all the favourite ark characters have been lovingly reproduced in delicate shades and tints onto an uncoated board of superb quality. Charlie’s Ark cards have Happy Birthday messages as well as carrying sentiments for love and friendship. There are also designs for special occasions such as Get Well, New Home and New Baby

For more information on this stunning new range please visit www.greatbritishcards.co.uk

The Mike Payne Studio Ltd is proud to announce the formal launch of Charlie’s Ark today. Created by Internationally acclaimed and award winning illustrator Mike Payne, and illustrated by leading artist Adam Pescott, this concept has the pedigree to develop into a modern classic.

Based on a four-year-old boy, Charlie, and his adventures in a magical world filled with animals, Charlie’s Ark transcends generations with its evocative storylines and Mike’s trademark emotive work.

The Great British Card Company, a subsidiary of The Paper House Group plc, are spearheading the Charlie’s Ark licensing programme in unparalleled style by launching today a phenomenal range of 68 sepia designs for adults, followed by 30 children’s designs in October.

Licensing by Design Ltd are delighted to announce worldwide representation of this gift and nursery concept with immediate effect.

It is a predictable certainty that we will be hearing a lot more in the future about Charlie’s Ark.

Mike Payne, the renowned creator of 'Tatty Teddy, the grey bear with the blue nose' has launched a new full service creative resource for gift manufacturers, publishers and the greetings card industry.

Called 'The Mike Payne Studio', with Mike himself at the helm, this specialist team of talented designers and artists offers highly creative and commercial concepts for a range of diverse clients. These include the original development of themes and characters, including story-boarding, animation, samples and product diversifications. In addition, the studio specialises in design, illustration, cartoons, greeting cards, poems and stories.

The Mike Payne Studio also offers global sourcing and management for all printed items, promotional products, toys and gifts. It is the perfect partner for clients seeking all-round expertise as every base is covered by a team with over 30 years experience in the industry.

New product development, characterisation, and brand diversifications are managed by the Consultancy Services division which specialises in the greetings card, giftware and children's publishing markets. Current projects include limited edition china collectables and tableware; a high profile marketing and merchandising concept relating to the nation's health; character development for the BBC; cartoon animations and children's books.

"It has long been an ambition of mine to showcase creative talent" enthuses Mike. "However I know from experience that you must balance creativity with commercial reality. To be successful companies need an intuitive sense for the right products and meaningful messages that reach deep into the heart of the nation and reflect their moods. This is the guiding force behind everything we do at The Mike Payne Studio. The right picture needs very few words to 'sell' its story, just as the right words can always conjure up the perfect picture. It's all about understanding and empathy, mixed in with a bit of mischief and loads of fun! We are working on some very exciting projects at the moment and welcome the opportunity to present our new services to any manufacturer or publisher seeking a little magic to positively impact their bottom line. "

For further information or to arrange an interview with Mike Payne please contact: