Life-size nutcrackers in festive Shrewsbury trail

Ten 6ft 5ins high Nutcracker Kings have been placed at different locations around the town and the Nutcracker Trail opens today.

Each one has its own name and the challenge will be to find all 10, write the names on a card and enter a draw for the chance to win an iPad Mini.

Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID) has organised the trail to encourage people to discover all the town has to offer by tracking down the brightly coloured Nutcracker Kings.

Trail booklets are available to pick up from Shrewsbury's Tourist Information Centre in the Museum and Art Gallery and from Darwin Shopping Centre's Santa's Grotto.

They can also be downloaded from www.originalshrewsbury.co.uk/nutcracker-trail

Nutcracker seekers can use the trail booklet and map to assist the search and have until December 28 to complete it. The answers will go into a draw with the lucky winner announced on January 3.

"Each Nutcracker King is more than 6ft tall so they are fairly easy to spot but you will need to use the map in the trail booklet and take time to explore the town centre to find them," said Emma Molyneux, projects assistant at Shrewsbury BID. "It will be a great way to keep family and friends entertained over the festive period. Don't forget to share your photos when you find a Nutcracker and tweet to @originalshrews using the hashtag #NutcrackerTrail."

Mike Dalton, owner of stop.Cafe and Shrewsbury BID Board director, added: "There is a great atmosphere in town this Christmas and the Nutcrackers add to the magic. We are looking forward to welcoming people of all ages to have a go and enjoy everything Shrewsbury has to offer at Christmas time."

Opening hours of the businesses caring for the Nutcrackers vary, so not all will be available to view after hours or on Sundays and bank holidays.

For more information find Shrewsbury on Facebook www.facebook.com/originalshrewsbury and Twitter @originalshrews or visit www.originalshrewsbury.co.uk