|PIC1|The hugely successful biblical TV series for children Friends and Heroes is now being broadcast in South Africa.

“We are thrilled that Friends and Heroes is being released in South Africa,” said Alison Dorricott, the show’s Executive Producer. “Friends and Heroes introduces a new generation of children to Bible stories in a way that they love – through TV and children make up nearly 40 per cent of the population of South Africa.

"That’s 18 million children – nearly 7 million aged 6-12 years! By partnering with Rhema Ministries we are now able to bring these stories to the children of Southern Africa – the continent where our story begins!”

Based in Johannesburg, Rhema Ministries is the publishing ministry of Rhema Church – one of the largest and best known in the country, with stores and wholesale operations across Southern Africa.

“Rhema is delighted to partner with Friends and Heroes to bring the DVDs into Southern Africa," said Themi Kartapanis, Rhema Ministries’ Resources Manager. “We feel honoured that Friends and Heroes will help children on their journey to wholeness and life.

“Our desire is to see children's ministries across our races and denominations flourish all over Southern Africa. Our hope is that they will find Friends and Heroes helpful in understanding the Bible and growing all God’s children. We will be working with churches, schools and community projects to ensure that we are able to entertain, educate and empower our children.”

The TV series features 14-year-old hero Macky, an Egyptian from Alexandria where Series 1 is set. Macky, his family and friends are inspired by Bible stories from both Old and New Testaments during their adventures.

Children watching their heroes' exciting escapades come to understand that the Bible has a great deal to offer when they are trying to decide what is right and what they should do in today’s world.

The programmes have been widely praised, winning “Best Children’s Programme” honours twice in the annual Christian Broadcasting Council Awards and winning an ‘Adam’ at the Sabaoth Film Festival in Milan, Italy. The series have also received many top review ratings and accolades from viewers including this comment from Chris: “I think (Friends and Heroes) is cool. It helps me understand as a child about Jesus and ask big questions as I get older!”

The DVDs released in Southern Africa will be identical to the UK versions, usually offering two episodes of Friends and Heroes on each DVD – an hour of video – plus a wide range of extras: quizzes, stills, music videos and an interview with Macky.

Friends and Heroes will be at this year's National Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE)at Sandown from May 12 to 15 (Stand T1).

On the web: www.friendsandheroes.com