Children across Braintree are being asked to help find lost elves before Christmas.

Braintree Council has launched its annual festive trail for kids and it will run until December 17.

Elf-hunters will be able to go on a journey around the town centre to find all 25 elves hiding in shops and business window displays.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, responsible for economic development at Braintree Council, said: “We look forward to spotting the elf-hunters on their search around the town and seeing them get into the Christmas spirit.”

Children can pick up a free trail map from Braintree Town Hall or download it from braintree.gov.uk/ elftrail.

Once children have completed the trail, each one will receive a certificate of thanks from Father Christmas and be entered into a prize draw.

Entries must be returned to the elf letterbox at Braintree Town Hall by 5pm on December 17 to be eligible for the prize draw.