A MUSEUM aims to get visitors in the mood for Christmas at a festive celebration.

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, will hold a Christmas extravaganza to entertain visitors to the 19th Century attraction next month.

The event will be held on December 14, and will feature treasure hunts around the museum and a Santa's grotto.

Santa's little helpers will be on hand to guide visitors around the museum's galleries, while a musical accompaniment will help to generate a Christmas atmosphere.

Museum education officer Lisa Jeffries said: "The day will be filled with activities suitable for the whole family, including visits to Santa Claus, quizzes and, of course, Merlin, the museum's mascot.

"There will also be a post box in the museum for visitors to post Christmas letters, and they will receive a reply from Santa Claus.

"This is an opportunity to sample the magic and festivity of Christmas within a beautiful and historic setting."

A family ticket to the event costs £15, or £5 for adults and £4 for children and concessions. Visitors will also be able to look at exhibitions and permanent displays at the museum.

For details, call (01833) 690606 or visit the website at www.bowesmuseum.org.uk