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´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide is delighted to award the UK master toy licence for the award-winning Charlie and Lola to Rainbow Designs.

Produced by Tiger Aspect and based on the captivating best-selling books by Lauren Child, Charlie and Lola has been a phenomenal success with pre-schoolers since launch. Winner of six awards, including four children's BAFTAs, and broadcast globally in 37 territories, Charlie and his little sister Lola have inspired a raft of licensing programmes worldwide. In publishing, Charlie and Lola books have been published in 18 languages and sold over 5 million copies. Over 1 million DVDs have been sold to date.

Established in 1971, Rainbow Designs is one of the UK's leading gift companies. In Spring 2012, Rainbow will launch a brand new range of toys for fans of Charlie and Lola targeting girls aged 3 – 6. Set for widespread distribution across retail, Rainbow's range will lead the success of over 22 Charlie and Lola licensees producing quality product that extend children’s enjoyment of the show.

The first lines will include Bean Toys, the Lola Rag Doll, Paint Your Own Dolls Set, Tea Set with Lola Plush, Domino Set and Book Ends. Further lines will launch in time for Spring 2013 and include a Plant Press, Garden Play Kit and Make Your Own Friendship Bracelet Set. Rainbow’s product line for Christmas 2013 will be a Dress Up and Play Doll range and include Mix and Match Outfits & Accessories plus Wardrobe and Bedroom Playsets.

Cassie Allen, Senior Licensing Manager for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide said, "Charlie and Lola has been a long-standing jewel in our consumer products portfolio. The property has lasting and universal appeal thanks to the fantastic publishing heritage and we've found over the last five years that the characters and Lola-isms have translated beautifully on to product. The appointment of Rainbow Designs as our new master toy partner is testament to our commitment to continue to develop innovative products."

Anthony Temple, Managing Director for Rainbow Designs said, "We are delighted to be working with ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide on such a prestigious Brand. Charlie and Lola is a natural fit to the Rainbow portfolio and is a perfect match for our core customer base, the quality Toy, Book and Gift Retailers. We look forward to the challenge of bringing the Rainbow touch to the Charlie and Lola Toy category and we are well underway with a fresh, contemporary product range that will explore everything that 'Lola Loves!'"

The DTR licence with Marks & Spencer still continues to do well and their new range for Spring Summer 2012 will feature a 'Vintage Up-cycling Look' converting old materials into new styles for nightwear, footwear and accessories. Other licensees include Cooneen for nightwear and Silverknit for daywear, both developing and delivering to key retailers.

Further, since launch in August 2010 Milk Link's Charlie and Lola Pink Milk has been performing well in-store. After scooping the 'Launch of the Year' award in the Dairy Drinks category of The Grocer magazine’s prestigious Top Products of 2010, Sainsbury's is extending the line into 22 additional stores later this year and Tesco's will launch the product in over 200 of their stores from July 2011.

Emma Burch