FATHER Christmas is hiding in Ottery town centre shops as part of a spot the Santa children’s competition.

There are little wooden Santas for children up to the age of 12 to find, at 40 business locations.

To win a Selection Box all participants have to do is make a list of the ones they spot, together with the name of the business, and their name, address and telephone number and take the list to Ottery Tourist Information Centre, in Broad Street. The prize has been donated by Pearson’s newsagents. The winner will be the child who finds the most Santas, and their name will be posted in the information centre window. The closing date is Friday, January 7. Centre manager Phyllis Baxter said: “It’s free to enter, and a good way for the mums and dads to go around the shops and support local businesses.”