A host of prizes, including tickets to the panto, have been won in a special Christmas treasure trail in Stafford.

Around 25 town centre shops and businesses took part in the competition with people hunting for the golden crowns - to coincide with this year’s Stafford Gatehouse Theatre panto, Sleeping Beauty.

Hundreds of children and families were entered into a prize draw after finding the numbered crowns in and around the town centre over the last few weeks.

All the winners have been contacted with details of how to collect their prizes following the competition which is a collaboration between Stafford Borough Council, the Gatehouse Theatre and local businesses.

The prizes included tickets to the panto, gifts, and vouchers for shops and restaurants.  

Sarah Tandy is the owner of independent card and gift shop, Snapdragon, which is based in the town’s historic St Mary’s Mews area.

She said they always took part in the Treasure Trail: “It was great to see new faces and families enjoying the search for the ‘Crowns’ as part of the Christmas Treasure Trail. It all adds to the lovely atmosphere that is created around the businesses in this historic part of our town.”  

Stafford Borough Councillor, Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said there were plenty of reasons for shoppers and visitors to come into the county town - especially at this time of the year.

She said: “Thank you to Sarah from Snapdragon and all the incredible town centre businesses that took part in the treasure trail. This is something that families were able to do, and enjoy, together.  

“We have already heard from some of the happy winners and hope that this has helped make their Christmas a little bit more special.”

Tickets for the record-breaking Sleeping Beauty at the Gatehouse Theatre are still available from 01785 619080 or www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk with the panto running until Sunday 4 January.

Press Release No 6261