CONISTON has been trans-formed into a village of mystery as part of a quest designed for inquisitive detectives.

Observational skills and riddle-solving are being put to the test as part of Ruskin’s Quest – a challenge which sees village shops and businesses displaying items at odds with its value in their windows.

The challenge is to spot the oddities to win the right to receive a riddle.

Businesses taking part are all on a quest map, designed by PCSO Emma Forrester and John Ruskin School pupil Greg Dzinora.

PCSO Forrester said: “It has been fun speaking to shop keepers who have joined in the excitement of finding the rogue item for their windows and struggled with their own challenge of writing a riddle.”

Prizes will be given out in March, with all proceeds from the quest going to Coniston Crusaders Youth Club to help fund a holiday club.

Maps are available until March 2 at Coniston Tourist Information Centre and local newsagents for 50p.