AN Advent calendar with a difference has made its debut today.

In the run-up to Christmas, shoppers in Sunderland are being asked to look out for a specially-created Advent Door which will pop up around the city every day – starting today (MON) in the Market Square.

Anyone who sees it will be offered the chance to choose a key and try to open it, with a daily prize of £123 on offer.

Those who don’t win the daily prize will still be entered into a free draw to win prizes including a family trip to Disneyland Paris, jewellery, hampers and even Sunderland AFC match tickets.

Sunderland Bid, which represents the city’s traders, has organised the event.

Chief executive Ken Dunbar said: “We are delighted that so many of our retailers in the city centre have got behind this great promotion.

“It’s going to make shopping in Sunderland a must throughout December because there are some amazing gifts on offer along with all the entertainment taking place.

“And of course Christmas will come early for one shopper, when we draw the prize for the holiday on Christmas Eve.”

A full list of where the door will be every day can be found at www.experienceithere.co.uk/advent