A SELFIE that was taken outside a Rhyl amusement arcade and bingo venue has won a parliamentary seaside selfie promotion.
A picture by Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies won the ‘Parliamentary Seaside Selfie’, a social media promotion organised by bacta, a trade body which represents the interests of Britain’s amusements and high street gaming manufacturers and operators.
Dr Davies took his selfie last year on Rhyl seafront with Craig Harker, of Harkers Amusements and Bingo, and was delighted to hear that he was a winner.
His photo encapsulated the year-round appeal of the amusements sector, as he tweeted: ‘It may be November but there’s always time to visit Rhyl seafront for a #SeasideSelfie with the Harkers!’.
His selfie earned an all-expenses family day out at Thorpe Park, which he donated to a mother and her children in his constituency.
Dr Davies said: “I was extremely pleased to take part in this promotion in support of the coastal amusements sector, but never for a moment thought I would win.
“There are many constituents who would have been worthy of the day out, but after much careful consideration, and with the help of my office team, I decided to donate the prize to a resident from Denbigh whom I have previously helped and who has faced a number of struggles in their life.”
“Rhyl has always been known for its amusement arcades and no trip to the town is complete without a visit to the infamous Harkers Amusements.
“It was a real pleasure to catch up with Craig, and a rather large cuddly toy, last November to take the selfie and to support this family business, which is a huge asset to the town.”
Commenting on the promotion, bacta CEO John White said: “Huge congratulations to Dr Davies for his winning selfie and tweet which captured the attraction of the seaside amusements sector and the role that it plays in providing value for money, safe, family entertainment to the British population.
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“We know from independent research commissioned by bacta that a third of the population has visited a seaside amusements attraction at some time in the previous 12-months, which explains why so many of us have such wonderful memories either as a child or a parent of days spent at the seaside.
“The seaside holiday is part of British culture and the amusements sector provides a central touchpoint of the experience as well as generating employment opportunities and contributing to local economies.
“By running the bacta Parliamentary Seaside Selfie we want MPs in coastal constituencies to champion the family amusements sector and for those who are inland to recognise the appeal of the Great British Seaside Holiday.”
Craig Harker said: "Well done to James - great to see that he won the competition and that a local family got to enjoy a great day out at Thorpe Park.
"I am very pleased that Harkers Amusement were able to help and thank James for his support of our business."
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