Christmas goodies in Chase contest
Children are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride in Santa's sleigh and meet his reindeer at Cannock Chase Forest.
Children are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride in Santa's sleigh and meet his reindeer at Cannock Chase Forest.
The Forestry Commission has launched a festive competition for one lucky family to enjoy a VIP visit to the Birches Valley Forest Centre at 11am on Sunday, November 29.
One child from the winning family will also get the chance to ride in Santa's sleigh and officially open his grotto to visitors.
Five runners-up will be invited to the Birches Valley Forest Centre where they can pick their own real Christmas tree for free.
The West Midlands' biggest Christmas tree sales centre will also open to the public daily from 9am to 6pm on November 29 until Sunday, December 20.
Varieties of tree will include Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce and Lodgepole Pine.
More than 50,000 real Christmas trees are sold by the Forestry Commission in England every year at its 21 sales centres, and for every tree harvested, at least another one is planted.
As well as trees, visitors will be able to stock up on a selection of decorations, stands and gifts at the Christmas shop.
Andy Coggins, visitor services manager for the Forestry Commission at Cannock Chase, said: "We're really excited to be offering West Midlands children the one-off chance to ride in Santa's sleigh and meet his reindeer as part of our Christmas competition and wish everyone the best of luck.
"There's no better place to get into the Christmas spirit than here at Cannock Chase. People can make a day of it by choosing their tree or visiting Father Christmas.
"Visitors can also enjoy an invigorating woodland winter walk into the Fairoak Valley or take a bike ride along some of the best cycle routes in the Midlands."
To enter the Competition, people must correctly answer how many real Christmas trees are sold by the Forestry Commission in England every year at its 21 sales centres?
The closing date is Friday, November 22 and entries can be delivered to Birches Valley Forest Centre or posted to Cannock Chase Forest Christmas Competition, Birches Valley Forest Centre, Lady Hill, Birches Valley, Rugeley, Staffs, WS15 2UQ.
The competition is open to children aged up to 10 living the West Midlands.
Meeting Santa costs £4.50 per child and the grotto will be open on weekends only from 9am until 5.30pm. Santa's reindeer will be in his grotto throughout December.
There will also be a range of special late night Christmas tree sales centre openings on December 3, 4, 10 and 11, when Santa will be in his grotto from 5pm to 8pm. Last entry is 7.30pm. To check opening times, call 01889 586593.
There are two-way marked walking trails from Birches Valley Forest Centre, and two children's trails – the Deer Dash and the Hedgehog Hike.
For more information on where to buy real Christmas trees in your area, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westmidlands
