CHRISTMAS shoppers will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw if they follow a Seek out Santa trail in Poole.

The council and Poole BID (Business Improvement District) have teamed up with small independent shops and businesses in the town centre, Ashley Cross, Ashley Road and Broadstone for the festive fun.

The competition is a chance for shoppers and visitors to browse, eat and shop their way around the borough while collecting stickers from five participating shops for the opportunity to enter the prize draw for a Christmas hamper.

The competition runs from Saturday, December 2, to 10am on Monday, December 18.

Bicycle shop Cycle Paths is one of the 20 small businesses taking part in the Seek out Santa Trail.

Owner Ray Clift said: “Small Business Saturday is important to us as the public can focus on the benefits of shopping locally with a small, family-run business, and we can build relationships with our customers.

“We are supporting the Seek out Santa Trail to have fun and encourage families to explore Poole and to discover new shops.”

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, cabinet portfolio holder for the economy, said: “We’ll keep supporting Small Business Saturday with enthusiasm – expanding it and bringing in more and more businesses who want to take part.”

Visit the Poole BID website to download the Seek out Santa trail leaflet or pick one up in Poole Library, Poole Tourist Information Centre (within Poole Museum) or at one of the 20 participating stores.