WALLACE AND GROMIT - WALLACE AND GROMIT FANS CAMPAIGN FOR STATUE

Fans of animated duo WALLACE AND GROMIT are campaigning for statues of the madcap inventor and his brainy dog to be erected in their 'hometown' of Bristol, England. Oscar-winning animator NICK PARK created Wallace and Gromit in the Aardman Animations studio in Bristol, and after their Academy Award win on Sunday (05MAR06) fans believe the city should capitalise on Park's success. Bristol City councillor MATTHEW SYMONDS, who is leading the campaign, says, "Everyone loves Wallace and Gromit and everyone I've spoken to on this matter agrees that we should thank Aardman in some way for what they have done for the city. "They really have placed Bristol on the map worldwide - and because of Aardman, a sizeable animation and special effects motion picture company that has made a big impact on the city. "With Hollywood and Oscar success they could easily have left to seek their fortune elsewhere. After starring in four Oscar-winning productions I think that Wallace and Gromit have certainly earned a statue now."