HIT Entertainment, one of the world’s leading independent children’s entertainment producers and rights owners, has announced its annual 2009 UK Pingu Award Winners at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe including the prestigious UK Licensee of the Year Award.

The Pingu Awards were first launched in 2007 and aim to recognise the outstanding achievements of HIT’s licensing and retail partners across its portfolio of properties and categories. The 2009 UK Pingu Awards were held at a special event at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe which was attended by more than 100 partners from the licensing industry.

The 2009 UK Pingu Award Winners are:

UK Product of the Year – Wesco for the Thomas and Bob Whizz Watch

UK Retailer of the Year – SMYTHS for the Fireman Sam Tour

UK Promotion of the Year - Hamley’s for its Cartoon Crazy Month featuring Thomas & Friends and Bob the Builder week-long promotion

UK Publishing Licensee of the Year – Egmont Magazines for the refreshed Fireman Sam Magazine

UK Licensee of the Year – Smith & Brooks for its strong Thomas & Friends range and year on year growth.

Jon Owen, SVP Consumer Products UK & EMEA commented, “We have experienced another year of strong product innovation, creative retail promotions and outstanding campaigns from our licensing and retail partners and this year’s recipients of the 2009 UK Pingu Awards are no exception. In a challenging economic climate, our partners have continued to strive for excellence across all categories and we congratulate all nominees and winners.”