THOSE looking to extent the Christmas buzz still have time to take part in Stirling’s first ever Reindeer Trail.

A heard of 20 life-sized reindeer, all designed by local schoolchildren, had taken up residence in shops and cafés in the city, forming a part of a competition organised by Go Forth Stirling BID.

Those who track down all are in for a chance to win an iPad with entries closing on Saturday, January 5.

Shoppers are also being asked to vote for the best design with schools in the running for a prize of their own.

Recently, youngsters from Cornton Primary School walked into the city to take part – keen to see the colourful reindeer created by a group from their own P4 class.

Teacher Nicola Watt said: “My class was delighted to come up with one of the winning reindeer designs and our acting headteacher, Lynne Goodwin, thought it would be a great idea to take our classes individually into Stirling to enjoy the trail.

“It was a good way of celebrating the success of our own children as well as seeing all the ideas other schools came up with for the reindeer and how they interpreted the design brief.

“We had a fun and busy day out and about in Stirling seeing the Christmas lights as well as spotting the reindeer and taking photographs of them and it was a good opportunity to promote health and wellbeing.

“We managed to track down most of the 20 reindeer and what we hope now is that the children will complete the Trail over the holidays enjoying some family fun while supporting our local businesses.

“The Reindeer Trail is a great idea and we’re pleased to have had the chance to be a part of it.”

Around 400 entries have been submitted to date and Go Forth Stirling director Jon Walton was delighted with the response.

He said: “I’m very impressed with the interest Cornton Primary has taken in the trail.

“It was amazing to see their pupils and so many other children out and about in Stirling having fun finding the reindeer in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

“We’ve had great feedback from both traders and participants and think the reindeer add a fantastic extra dimension to our wonderful city centre.

“There’s still time to enter the competition and we’re looking forward to seeing more entries flood in as children take part in the trail during the Christmas holidays.

“And watch out on our social media and website channels for a special video that will give a few more clues as to where these beautiful reindeer are located.”

He added: “Thanks so much to all the schools who created the fantastic reindeer! There has been a real buzz about the city.”