A DAY out at a popular tourist attraction near Whitchurch is up for grabs at this year's Shropshire Virtual Show.

Children across the county are being encouraged to enter the Shropshire Virtual Show's arts and crafts competition, with a range of prizes on offer including tickets to Hawkstone Park Follies.

Despite being forced to close for much of this year Hawkstone Park Follies has given their support to the show, which is taking place on Saturday 22 August to raise money for local good causes.

As well as contests, the Shropshire Virtual Show is staging a day of music, entertainment, and shopping experiences – all completely online – to help fill the gap left by the cancellation of live shows this summer.

Rebecca Lonsdale, one of the competition judges at the show, said she was looking forward to judging the entries.

"So many of us got stuck into arts and crafts during lockdown to pass the hours away," said Rebecca. "We don't want those creations to go to waste; instead we want to celebrate and share some of the good things that came out of a very tricky time.

"Entering is really easy, I hope we get some great variety, and I'm really looking forward to the judging – and giving out these wonderful prizes."

The rewards on offer include family annual passes to Weston Park and the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, a year's membership at Apley Play Barn, Bridgnorth, plus vouchers for their popular new dog park, and free days out for the family at Park Hall Farm, Oswestry and Hawkstone Park Follies.

There are also a range of animal experiences up for grabs including visits to Battlefield Falconry Centre, the alpacas at Madhouse Farms, Broseley and meerkats at Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, Telford.

To take part, head to www.shropshirevirtualshow.com/competitions and the winners will be announced during the show on August 22.

Other show competitions inviting submissions include arts and crafts for adults, plus categories such as 'best trick' and 'waggiest tail' for the virtual dog show and 'prettiest mare' and 'fancy dress' for the horse arena.

There is also an opportunity for green-fingered competitors to show off their handiwork in the open gardens category and for performers of all ages to take centre stage in 'Shropshire's Got Talent'.

While free to submit, the organisers are asking competitors to make a donation to help raise funds for five Shropshire charities, including; The Cavalier Centre, League of Friends to RJAH, The Movement Centre, Dog A.I.D. and Shropshire Rural Communities Charity.