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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Louisa Gregson

Stuffed cat toy was fired into space from the Peak District and landed in Spalding

Buzz Lightyear’s cute robot cat, Sox, has been sent to infinity and beyond from the Peak District. A toy version of Sox, featured in the new Lightyear movie, has been sent beyond the Earth’s atmosphere into space - and landed in Spalding.

The mission was carried out by Showcase Cinemas to celebrate the release of the new Disney and Pixar film Lightyear , the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero that inspired the toy.

In the film, Sox acts as Buzz’s dutiful robot companion, easing the Space Ranger’s emotional transition after his time away on space missions. In Sox’s latest assignment, the talking-toy version of the robot-cat was launched from Sheffield’s Peak District, travelling at speeds of around 250mph and ascending beyond the Earth’s atmosphere and into outer space, giving Buzz’s iconic phrase ‘to infinity and beyond!’ an all-new meaning.

Awe-inspiring images show the new talking soft toy floating around 130,000 feet above the Earth in stunning 4k definition. Following the flight, Sox parachuted back down to Earth smoothly and landed in Spalding, Lincolnshire. From flying to landing with style, it’s mission accomplished for Sox.

Sox is launched (Showcase)

Lightyear , which is on screen at Showcase Cinemas from tomorrow, follows Buzz Lightyear’s origin story, after the legendary Space Ranger is marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth. As Buzz, accompanied by loyal robot companion Sox, attempts to find a way back home, matters are complicated with the arrival of Buzz’s nemesis Zurg.

Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” is an all-new, original feature film (PIXAR)

Mark Barlow, UK General Manager of Showcase Cinemas, said: “The new Lightyear film promises to be a favourite this year, following the iconic character that has become much-loved by families across the world.

“To celebrate this, we wanted to do something ‘out of this world’, so what better way than sending the toy version of Sox to infinity and beyond? We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our cinemas to see one of our favourite animated characters of all time back on the big screen, in his very own origin story”.

Sox was fired in to space (Showcase)

Following Sox’s return to Earth, the space-travelling toy is now available to be won by members of the public. All you have to do to enter is visit the Showcase Cinemas UK Facebook page, find the Sox competition post and tag your sidekick in the comments.

For more information and to purchase your Lightyear tickets, please visit the Showcase Cinemas website here: https://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/film-info/lightyear.

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