The connection between heavyweight boxer Frank Bruno, a penguin, 'District Nurse' Nerys Hughes and Humber lifeboat coxswain Brian Bevan was explained at London Zoo on 17 September, when they were all involved in the launch of the Bingo Association of Great Britain's charity week.

Frank Bruno and Nerys Hughes were adding their support to the appeal and Brian Bevan was representing the RNLI, but why apenguin? The answer is simple. Every year a mascot is chosen for the BAGB's charity week, with soft toys offered as prizes in the special charity bingo games played at participating clubs, and the mascot for 1990 is Bertie Bingo - the penguin.

During the charity week licensed bingo clubs throughout Britain aimed to raise £250,000 towards the cost of a Mersey class lifeboat which will be named Bingo Lifeline.

More than a million special bingo tickets were produced and supplied free to the 56 participating clubs by W.S. Cowell Ltd, and £230,000 has so far been raised with more to come! A cheque will be presented to the RNLI by Mike Gilligan, chairman of BAGB, at the London Boat Show in January.

Frank, Brian and Nerys are pictured with a baby penguin held by his keeper at the zoo..