A Christmas treasure trail is heading to Stafford, offering a host of prizes, including tickets to the panto.

More than 20 town centre shops and businesses are set to take part in the competition, which will see people hunt for magic lamps around the town.

The trail, a collaboration between Stafford Borough Council, local businesses and the Gatehouse Theatre, coincides with this year's panto, Aladdin.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure, at the Borough Council, 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."

Children and families will be asked to find the numbered lamps in and around the town centre.

Participants who locate them all, will be in with a chance of winning prizes such as family tickets for the Gatehouse Theatre panto and the Enchanted Light trail at Betley Court in Crewe as well as restaurant and shop vouchers.

People can pick up an entry form from Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, or from any participating shops or businesses from Saturday 21 November, when the Christmas Lights will be switched on in town.

The competition will run until Sunday 13 December and completed entry forms need to be posted in the festive letter box at the Gatehouse Theatre to be drawn from Tuesday 15 December.

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Cllr Pardesi added that there are plenty of reasons for shoppers and visitors to come into the county town at this time of the year.

Along with the traditional lights switch on in the Market Square, other town centre events will include a Festive Farmers Market, Christmas Through the Ages at the Ancient High House, and the famous Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Church.

She said: "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."

Aladdin opens on Friday 4 December and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027.

Further information can be found at the Gatehouse Theatre website here.