WWF ambassadors lend their voices for Earth Hour 2013

Three well known ambassadors for WWF have come together to record special edition audiobooks for children, and grownups alike, to enjoy during this year’s Earth Hour. The exclusive audiobooks have been recorded for families to listen to during the world's biggest switch off.
 

As the lights go out for Earth Hour, actress Miranda Richardson, ‘Grand Designs’ TV presenter Kevin McCloud and comedian Alistair McGowan will bring to life Rudyard Kipling’s famous ‘Just So’ stories.  Eight of the classic childhood stories will be voiced, including favourites such as ‘How the Camel Got His Hump’ and ‘How the Leopard Got His Spots’.

WWF’s Earth Hour - which takes place on Saturday 23rd March 2013 this year - is a popular date in the diary for friends and families to show their support for the planet by switching off the lights for one hour.

Those taking part in this global event can gather round in candle-light to enjoy enchanting stories that have captured the imaginations of young and old for more than a century.     

 WWF ambassador Miranda Richardson said: "Earth Hour is a time for families to come together and show their support for the planet and it’s also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy quality family time.

“Story telling is one of the oldest forms of family entertainment and these recordings are a novel and entertaining way to spend Earth Hour together and introduce a new generation to these classic captivating tales.”

Last year’s Earth Hour was the biggest yet and saw a staggering 6,950 towns and cities in more than 152 countries take part. An estimated eight million Brits will be joining in for the world’s biggest switch-off this year.

From a single domestic light bulb to giant iconic illuminations such as Big Ben, the Taj Mahal and the Sydney Opera House, Earth Hour demonstrates a determination to help protect the planet.

Rachel Bloodworth, spokesperson for WWF said “The aim of Earth Hour is for people to show their support for our amazing planet and raise awareness of the world’s energy consumption.

“It’s a great excuse to take a step back from the hectic pace of modern life and those taking part can embrace a simpler and more rewarding way to spend time together such a good old fashion story telling session. ”

WWF ambassador Alistair McGowan said: “These captivating childhood tales conjure up all sorts of strange and wondrous animals in people’s imaginations, bringing the stories to life. But amazing creatures don’t just live in books. Our planet is home to so many incredible species and unique places - but they need protecting. WWF's Earth Hour is your chance to show you care about the state of our planet and the natural world.  Even small steps can help like keeping your energy use to a minimum throughout the year to save precious resources and stop our planet warming unnecessarily - which threatens the survival of every species on Earth, including Man. Together we can make Earth Hour into a way of life not just a gesture.”

WWF ambassador Kevin McCloud said: “Surely every parent in the land enjoys reading a great bedtime story just as much as the kids enjoy listening to it and these unique tales are such a fun way to spend Earth Hour.  So it doesn’t matter if you're five or 50, just make sure you sign up, switch off and relax with the family for one hour, to show you care about the future of our planet.”

In the week leading up to WWF’s Earth Hour: Miranda, Kevin and Alistair’s audio recordings will be available to download for people who sign up to Earth Hour from Saturday 16th March: www.wwf.org.uk/justsostories 

However, sneak preview material will be available from Monday 4^th March 2013 at: www.wwf.org.uk/earthhourstories

For more information and other ideas on how you can show your support for the planet on Saturday 23^rd March please visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour