Nigel C Gull fronts Blackpool's largest ever marketing campaign

Blackpool has invested £1.3m in its largest ever marketing campaign, featuring comedian Johnny Vegas as the voice of puppet Nigel C Gull.

The Only In Blackpool campaign, launched by Merlin Entertainments, Blackpool Council, Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District and other partners, will air across TV, radio, social media and video-on-demand.

Nigel, described as a straight-talking, no-nonsense embodiment of the town itself, was created by puppeteer Andy Heath, who has worked with the BBC, Lucas Films, The Jim Henson Company and Disney. The campaign has been produced by the Creature London agency.

In the adverts, the puppet visits iconic attractions including Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE.

Coun Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "We are delighted to be showcasing everything that Blackpool has to offer through the eyes of Nigel, our very special new ambassador.

"This is a very different TV ad to those that we have produced with our partners in the past, but it is definitely a fun way to illustrate the breadth and depth of our outstanding tourism offer."