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

Around 30 town centre shops and businesses are taking part in the competition for people to hunt for hidden slippers - to coincide with this year’s Stafford Gatehouse Theatre panto, Cinderella. 

Children and families will be asked to find the numbered slippers in and around the town centre - and, if they locate them all, will be in with a chance of winning some great prizes. 

The fun initiative got underway this week and will run until Sunday 11 December. It is a collaboration between Stafford Borough Council, the Gatehouse Theatre, Indoor Market and Town Centre Partnership and is one of several Christmas themed events taking place. 

People can pick up entry forms from the Gatehouse Theatre, Indoor Market, and Albert’s Café in Victoria Park as well as some local shops and eating out places.  

Prizes will be drawn daily from Monday 12 December and includes four tickets for the panto as well as restaurant and shop vouchers. 

Along with the traditional lights switch on in the Market Square on Saturday 19 November, other town events include a Festive Farmers Market, Christmas Past craft sessions and storytelling at the Ancient High House, and the famous Christmas Tree festival at St Mary’s Church. 

Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said there were plenty of reasons for shoppers and visitors to come into the county town at this time of the year. 

She said: “I am really pleased so many of our town centre businesses have supported this treasure trail with some great prizes - and it’s another reason for more people to come into town to shop, eat and enjoy the run up to Christmas.” 

There will be free parking in many council run car parks in Stafford after 1pm on Saturday 17 and 24 December. More details about car parks in the borough from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/parking  

Press Release No 5971