SUPER FURRY ANIMALS - SUPER FURRY ANIMALS HAPPY TO TURN DOWN COKE DEAL

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS are pleased they turned down an advertising deal with Coca-Cola last year (05), after meeting a representative of Colombia's food and drink trade union during a recent visit to the South American country.

The Welsh band were tempted to accept a $1.8 million (GBP1 million) deal with the soft drinks giant, but ended up declining permission for their song HELLO SUNSHINE to be used in a campaign.

And the rockers now feel vindicated by their decision, after they were told of killings and intimidation in Colombia allegedly carried out by local Coca-Cola management - something the company vehemently denies.

Frontman GRUFF RHYS says, "When you're offered money like that, you have to think hard about it. There's five of us in the band. There's kids to feed.

"Imagine if we'd taken that money. I'd have spent it by now, too.

"I don't really like the taste anyway.

Bassist GUTO PRYCE adds, "I frickin' love it, but I'll never buy another f**king can in my life."

In a statement, Coca-Cola tells British magazine Q, "The allegations against our business in Colombia are false. We have been in Colombia for 70 years and have been an exemplary member of the business community."