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

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

Children and families will be asked to find the numbered crowns 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 gets underway next week to coincide with the Christmas Lights being switched on, on Saturday (22nd), and will run until Sunday 14 December. It is a collaboration between Stafford Borough Council, the Gatehouse Theatre and local businesses, and is one of several Christmas themed events taking place in the festive period.

People can pick up entry forms for free from the Gatehouse Theatre, Albert’s Café in Victoria Park and the council’s Civic Centre reception - as well as some local shops and eating out places from Saturday 22 November.

Completed entry forms will be drawn from Tuesday 16 December with a family ticket for the panto, restaurant and shop vouchers, and other great prizes on offer.

Along with the traditional lights switch on in the Market Square and the ‘Treasure Trail,’ other town centre events in December include a Festive Farmers Market, Christmas Through the Ages at the Ancient High House, the famous Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church and a Christmas Special Music and Food Festival.

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 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 on offer and great fun for those taking part.  

“The Christmas lights being switched on is always a wonderful attraction and now this fantastic treasure trail, along with all the other events taking place in the town, provides yet another reason for more people to come into Stafford to shop, eat and enjoy the run up to the big day.”

Press Release No 6248