THERE was a Christmas bonus for the Pearson family of St John's, Worcester, when it won a Count the Reindeer competition organised by the city's Reindeer Court shopping arcade.

The event was part of the Winter Festival organised by the city centre Victorian-style retail venue which included visits by real reindeer and performances by an array of musicians, singers and entertainers, helping to create a fun and magical air in the build-up to Christmas.

Joel Pearson, assisted by wife Rhian and daughters Jessica and Harriet, won the competition by correctly counting the reindeer stencils displayed in the shop windows throughout Reindeer Court, and, in return, received a hamper of goodies donated by the businesses.

It was presented by Lisa Farrington-Martin of Embrace Lingerie Boutique, who said: "It was a pleasure to meet such a lovely family who were really surprised at their win. We would like to thank the shops whicgh contributed to the hamper for their generosity and would also like to thank Worcester BID for its help in assistance in arranging the Reindeer Court entertainment programme this year."