A local pub is celebrating the countdown to Christmas by giving children in Newton Aycliffe the opportunity to take over Christmas for one day only – as well as free festive meals for kids. The Gretna Green Hotel Hungry Horse pub on Great North Road is searching for five local children to take charge of this year’s festivities, which will include decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, and putting up the seasonal decorations. As well as taking the starring role in their very own Christmas video, each lucky winner will also bag themselves an extra special treat just in time for Christmas – a £250 Toys R Us voucher for them to buy an item from their Christmas wish list. The pub will also be celebrating the season of goodwill with a free Christmas meal from the new festive menu for every child who enters the competition. Alex Mackenzie, general manager at the Gretna Green Hotel, said: “Christmas time is all about giving, so this year we wanted to give five lucky children the opportunity to take charge of the season’s celebrations at our pubs, as well as offering free meals from our festive menu. “From decorating the Christmas tree to icing cakes, we’ve got loads of fun and festive activities in store, so we can’t wait to see what Newton Aycliffe’s most creative kids come up with!” To enter your child into the ‘Kidsmas’ competition for the chance to win the £250 prize, visit www.hungryhorse. co.uk/kidsmas and explain in 100 words why you think they deserve to take the starring role at Hungry Horse this Christmas. The competition is open to children aged between four and 10 years old. The winning child will join four other winners from across the UK to take part in the Kidsmas video filming on Saturday 26th November at the Beekeeper Pub in Nottingham.  Winners will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and travel expenses will be provided.