SHARP-EYED shoppers will have to be on the look-out for things that are out-of-the-ordinary in Stanhope next month.

Worn-out old boots planted in a shoe shop window, or used envelopes in a Post Office display are the kind of misplaced items that people will have to search for when an oddities competition is run in the Weardale town between September 1 and 15.

Sally Rowley, from the Weardale Animal Sanctuary, at Crawleyside, near Stanhope, came up with the idea to try to raise money for the rescue centre.

Nearly all the shops and cafes in the town have agreed to take part in the competition.

The shop with the best oddity in its window display will win a bottle of wine, and the person who spots most misplaced items will win a food hamper.

Ms Rowley said: "There is no Stanhope Show this year, but this could bring people back into the dales."

There will be a 50p charge to enter the competition and forms can be collected from most participating shops and the Durham Dales Centre.