'HERO HECTOR' RECEIVES NATIONAL SAFETY ACCOLADE

An Aberdeen lollipop man has made the shortlist in Goodyear’s national search for the best unsung school safety hero.

Hector McKenzie, affectionately known as Hero Hector, was nominated by colleagues, pupils and parents from Ferryhill Primary School due to his extraordinary commitment to school safety.

Christine Dunhill, chairperson of Ferryhill Primary School’s parent council, said: “We nominated Hector because he has been tirelessly teaching road safety for nearly ten years outside our school in the rain, sleet, snow and sunshine.

“He participates in road safety activities with children from nursery and upwards. He brings his own warmth to the role, which is reflected in the wee presents he receives from the children and parents at this time of year. In addition, Hector has been pro-active in reminding impatient drivers around the school to be mindful of children at the beginning and end of school days.”

On making the national shortlist Hector said: “I’m thrilled to have made the shortlist. I’ve been the school’s lollipop man for about 20 years, so it’s lovely for the community to recognise my work in this way.”

Hector is now in with a chance of winning a set of Goodyear OptiGrip tyres for his car. Tyres that provide shorter braking distances in the wet by revealing new tread as it wears. For being shortlisted, he has already won high visibility jackets and a brightly coloured walking rope for the children at Ferryhill Primary School.

Michelle Fisher, brand manager at Goodyear, commented: “To hear about Hector’s work is simply an inspiration to us all. Road safety is an important message that needs to be communicated to children, especially when they are travelling to and from school. It’s encouraging to see so many individuals being recognised for their outstanding efforts and safety initiatives.”

For more information about Goodyear visit www.goodyear.co.uk .

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News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

TYRE-LESS PAM RECEIVES NATIONAL SAFETY ACCOLADE

A Basildon financial officer has made the shortlist in Goodyear’s national search for the best unsung school safety hero.

Pam Slingsby, affectionately known as tyre-less Pam, was nominated by colleagues, pupils and parents at Basildon Church of England Primary School due to her extraordinary commitment to school safety.

Paul Field, headmaster at Basildon Church of England Primary School, said: “We’ve nominated Pam because she has worked to create a safe environment for our children through her knowledge and application of health and safety procedures.

“She is meticulous in her organisation and constantly aware of the need to consider the correct safety provisions for school events and developments.”

Speaking of her nomination, Pam said: “A lot of the health and safety work devolved to me from our headmaster when I joined the school in 2004. It has become one of my favourite aspects of the job – so I’m delighted that the school has nominated me for this award.”

Pam is now in with a chance of winning a set of Goodyear OptiGrip tyres for her car. Tyres that provide shorter braking distances in the wet by revealing new tread as it wears. For being shortlisted, she has already won high visibility jackets and a brightly coloured walking rope for the children at Basildon Church of England Primary School.

Michelle Fisher, brand manager at Goodyear, commented: “To hear about Pam’s work is simply an inspiration to us all. Road safety is an important message that needs to be communicated to children, especially when they are travelling to and from school. It’s encouraging to see so many individuals being recognised for their outstanding efforts and safety initiatives.”

For more information about Goodyear visit www.goodyear.co.uk .

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News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

SUPER STEVE RECEIVES NATIONAL SAFETY ACCOLADE

A Portsmouth school site manager has made the shortlist in Goodyear’s national search for the best unsung school safety hero.

Steve Culver, affectionately known as super Steve, was nominated by colleagues, pupils and parents at Medina Primary School due to his extraordinary commitment to school safety.

Howard Payne, headmaster at Medina Primary School, said: “We’ve nominated Steve because of the superb dedication he’s displayed in a short space of time. During the winter he arrives early to ensure the pathways, which are very long, are safe and clear for pupils.

“He also ensures that the community events and activities held at the school premises after hours do not have an adverse effect on the safety of pupils. In the short time Steve’s been here, he’s made a real impact.”

Speaking of his nomination, Steve said: “I’m really pleased to have been nominated for this award as I get a lot of fulfilment from helping people, so it’s good to know other people get that feeling from the work I do.”

Steve is now in with a chance of winning a set of Goodyear OptiGrip tyres for his car. Tyres that provide shorter braking distances in the wet by revealing new tread as it wears. For being shortlisted, he has already won high visibility jackets and a brightly coloured walking rope for the children at Medina Primary School.

Michelle Fisher, brand manager at Goodyear, commented: “To hear about Steve’s work is simply an inspiration to us all. Road safety is an important message that needs to be communicated to children, especially when they are travelling to and from school. It’s encouraging to see so many individuals being recognised for their outstanding efforts and safety initiatives.”

For more information about Goodyear visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

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News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

MOTORISTS GRIPPED BY CHARITABLE SUPPORT

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is set to receive a boost to its fundraising efforts thanks to global tyre giant Goodyear.

Throughout September any motorist purchasing a set of four OptiGrip tyres will see £10 go to the lifesaving charity. For every individual tyre sold a £2.50 payment will be made. The money raised will go towards the RNLI Beach Safety Programme, of which Goodyear is the main sponsor.

Michelle Fisher, Goodyear’s brand manager, said: “As experts in safety and innovation, we are committed to supporting lifesaving organisations to help maintain their already high standards, and the RNLI is of no exception.

“For over three years, we have been championing the work of the charity by contributing over £130,000. Our focus has always been on safety through innovation and the OptiGrip tyre certainly exemplifies this statement.”

Becky Higgin, RNLI corporate partnership manager, added: “The donation made through the sale of OptiGrip tyres will go towards the RNLI Beach Safety Programme – providing important beach safety advice to help keep people safe at the seaside. We thank Goodyear for this initiative and look forward to extending our relationship with them.”

The OptiGrip tyre, with Smartwear Technology, reveals new tread as it wears to ensure high levels of performance are delivered throughout its life. Even after 18,000 miles, it gives a 20%, or 11 metres, shorter braking distance in the wet than other leading tyres.

For more information on Goodyear and its safety partnership with the RNLI, visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

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News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

GOODYEAR GIVES TOP MARKS TO SCHOOL SAFETY

School safety is to be rewarded in a national campaign to find the UK’s unsung safety heroes.

Global tyre giant Goodyear is calling on pupils, parents and teachers to make the nominations in a bid to recognise those who make schools a safer environment to teach, learn and play.

Lollipop ladies who turn out rain or shine to cross children safely or school governors who work tirelessly to introduce playground safety equipment; whoever the person, Goodyear wants to know your reason to award them this prestigious accolade.

Schools will win high visibility jackets and a brightly coloured walking rope from the best twenty nominations received and a set of OptiGrip tyres will be awarded to the winning safety hero to thank them for their contribution to society.

Michelle Fisher, Goodyear’s brand manager, said: “Most communities across the UK know somebody who goes above and beyond their normal call of duty to help others. Goodyear wants to acknowledge these individuals and thank the schools for nominating them.

“Safety is an important message that needs to be communicated to children, especially when they are travelling to and from school. The message of be safe, be seen is still relevant today especially when drivers do not allow themselves enough stopping distance when braking. This can be countered by fitting Goodyear OptiGrip tyres, which provide shorter braking distances in the wet by revealing new tread as it wears.”

People are encouraged to send in their nominations to safety@connect-group.com or via the Goodyear Tyres fan page on Facebook.

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News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

TRYING TIME CONVERTS INTO AUSTRALIAN RUGBY PRIZE

A tireless Exeter automotive manager is swapping Sowton for Sydney after years of hard work were converted into a trip of a lifetime down under.

Stuart Martin from Mid Devon Tyres on Apple Lane will travel to Australia to watch England take on the Wallabies after the centre scooped the top prize in Goodyear’s spring rugby promotion.

The prize was donated to Stuart by managing director Jamie Potter in recognition for his dedication to the job, despite a year of personal hardship. “When I heard we had won, I instantly knew what to do with the prize,” said Jamie. “Having three young children made it very difficult for me to accept the prize, so I gave the holiday to Stuart. It’s my way of saying thank you for his hard work last year, even though he experienced a terrible run of bad luck what with family illness and bereavement to contend with.”

Michelle Fisher, Goodyear’s brand manager, added: “We have all been inspired by Jamie’s generosity and hope that Stuart enjoys this prize. The rugby promotion has proved hugely popular and we hope that the England rugby team can display the same superb handling and performance qualities that our tyres deliver to motorists.”

Goodyear’s rugby promotion was held across the firm’s national network of tyre dealers to celebrate its support of the IRB Rugby Ready programme. A programme which helps train aspiring rugby coaches to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained. The promotion coincided with the RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship and rewarded customers with free rugby balls and shirts for Goodyear tyres fitted to their vehicle.

For more information visit www.goodyear.co.uk

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Photo caption: from left to right, Jamie Potter, Stuart Martin (Mid Devon Tyres) and Michelle Fisher (Goodyear brand manager)

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

AUTO EXPRESS AWARD GOODYEAR WITH A DOUBLE COMMENDATION IN THEIR PRODUCT AWARDS 2010

“Goodyear makes safety in the wet its priority” – Kim Adams, Consumer Editor: Auto Express

Leading UK Motoring Magazine ‘Auto Express’ has published its annual Product Awards, honouring the best products in many car parts and accessory sector. The Awards rank the best aftermarket components for cars, ranging from sat-navs to car polish. In the tyre category, Goodyear received a double commendation for the Goodyear OptiGrip and Goodyear Excellence tyres to build on its test win in one of the major Auto Express tyre tests in 2009.

The award for the OptiGrip follows its storming performance in the respected magazine’s annual tyre test, where it scored 99.7%. In one of the wet tests, Auto Express declared the Goodyear performance as ‘Amazing’.

The Goodyear OptiGrip, which features innovative SmartWear Technology, continues a long tradition of success for Goodyear in the Auto Express Product Awards. In 2008, the OptiGrip’s forerunner, the Goodyear HydraGrip, won an ‘Auto Express Product Honour’ for its exceptional wet weather safety after taking overall top spot in their previous annual tyre test.

Kim Adams, Consumer Editor at Auto Express stated: “Goodyear makes safety in the wet its priority. The OptiGrip aims to maintain that even when it is worn, and performed superbly on the aquaplaning track. If grip when the heavens open is top of your requirements, look no further”

The Goodyear Excellence was rated as a top choice for the family ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ sector. This fast-growing sector, characterized by vehicles such as VW Tiguans or Toyota RAV4. Goodyear was declared the outright winner in the magazine’s test of five tyre brands across a range of handling and safety tests.

“It’s no surprise to see Goodyear at the top of these results as the US giant really knows how to build tyres that are good in the wet” added Kim

GOODYEAR SHORTLISTED FOR TWO FLEET NEWS AWARDS

Global tyre manufacturer Goodyear has been nominated for two top awards at the prestigious Fleet News Awards.

The company will be fighting it out to take home both the Environmental Award and Best Technical Innovation Award at a ceremony to be held at Grosvenor House, London on March 17th.

James Bailey, corporate communications manager for Goodyear, said: “It is fantastic news that we have been nominated for these two awards that recognise the research and effort that goes into the development of our tyres and environmental policies.”

The Environmental Award recognises successful programmes that have helped drive green innovation in the automotive industry. Goodyear has impressed within this category with its Ultra-Low Rolling Resistance tyres, zero solvent use, environmental management and recycling scheme. The focus for Goodyear’s application was based on the fuel saving advantages of EfficientGrip that had gained notable praise from environmentalists and the fleet industry.

The new Technical Innovation Award celebrates the latest innovations that make a real difference to the vehicles that they are fitted to. Goodyear’s OptiGrip is a shining example of an innovation that meets this description. The tyre, which incorporates SmartWear Technology, offers drivers excellent performance in wet handling, aquaplaning resistance and braking even when the tyre is worn.

For further information visit www.eu.goodyear.com/uk_en