With reports of another exceptionally hot summer on the way together with the Weakened Pound Many British Families are looking to holiday at home this year here in the UK.

Jaques of London are currently undertaking a major push of their range of traditional outdoor Garden games and Croquet Sets in an attempt to encourage families to spend time in the garden enjoying the weather and having fun together over the coming months.

The initiative centres on the recent publication of the Jaques 2009Pattern Book featuring some brand new additions to the Jaques outdoor range including :

Giant Tumble Tower, a Giant Jenga Style Garden game, Giant outdoor Snakes and Ladders. Based on Jaques original design from 1880 Jaques wonderful croquet sets As well as some timeless family favourites such as Skittles, Quoits and, of course, Croquet.

Also recently launched is Jaques brand new website, which will feature a huge information resource providing readers with comprehensive guidelines on all aspects of playing a wide range of traditional outdoor family sports and games and a wonderful insight into Jaques illustrious past.

“With the ever-increasing number of television channels and online 'virtual realities' along with the proliferation of computer games across the country, children today are less likely than ever to spend time outdoors interacting with their families,” said Joe Jaques, Director of Jaques of London. “The approaching hot weather combined with our best-ever range of outdoor sports and games provides the ideal opportunity for family members of all ages to get outside and have fun together this summer, together with the current economic climate, it really is a time to bring families together ”.

Jaques of London have been developing and manufacturing the finest quality sports and games equipment since 1795. Throughout their history they have helped shape British sports and games heritage with the invention of some the world's most popular sports and games including Croquet, Snakes & Ladders, Ludo, Tiddley Winks and Happy Families.

“But, we are more than simply a manufacturer of quality products” said Joe, “Through our innovative product development, resulting in a truly unique range of both traditional and cutting-edge Garden Games, we are striving to promote and encourage a return to traditional family values as well as continuing in our quest to

“teach the world to play”.

-Ends- Notes to Editors:

1. Established in 1795, Jaques of London is the oldest sports and games manufacturer in the World.

2. Jaques today remains a family company, owned and operated by direct descents of the founder John Jaques.

3. Jaques' most notable achievements include the invention of some of the world's most popular sports and games, including Croquet, Happy Families, Tiddly-Winks, Ludo and Snakes & Ladders as well as the reinvention and popularisation of Chess and Table Tennis.

4. Many of Jaques' products are handcrafted using tradtional methods and the finest materials at their UK headquarters.

5. In recent years Jaques have expanded operations in the UK and have tremendous Presence in the US also.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Joe J P Jaques, House of Jaques, Fircroft way, Edenbridge, Kent, UK, TN8 6EU

Email: joe@jaques.co.uk Tel: 01732 500200 Fax: 01732 500111

www.jaques.co.uk