How Eurostar sells us to the Belgians

The picture of a heavily tattooed, shaven-headed man exhausting kid boots is allotment of an advertising adventure influence Belgium designed to frame its people to London.

De facto coincides cache the launch this time of the au courant aerial-speed Eurostar service, which takes passengers from London to Brussels influence conscientious one hour 51 account.

More placard influence the journey, which shows a attribute allied to John Cleese in the Monty Python sketch, Ministry of Silly Walks, with the slogan " Attention! London is around the corner ".

Eurostar dismissed suggestions that the posters were offensive, saying they were designed to highlight the British sense of humour and promote the diversity of the capital.

It said the campaign was specifically targeted at the Belgians because they understand and appreciate the eccentricity of British life.

" The Belgians have a passion and fondness for Britain and really understand our sense of humour, " said Lesley Retallack, a Eurostar spokesman.

VisitBritain, the Government-backed agency that promotes the country to tourists, said the posters give " a quirky spin to contemporary Britain ".

November 16, 2007