THE Salvation Army in Corringham Road, Stanford-le-Hope is organising a Messy Sheep Nativity Trail around town.

The story focuses on one shepherd who is keen to visit the Baby Jesus over Christmas, but has lost his sheep - with Thurrock children being invited to help him find them!

The trail, one of which will be on Monday, December 2 and the other on Monday, December 9, will take children in to 21 participating shops in Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham and at the Thurrock Thameside Nature Park in Mucking.

Two pompom sheep are hidden in each shop, which will have a poster advertising that it is taking part.

Prizes will be up for grabs for the winner in each of the three age categories: under 5, under 11, and 11-14.

Entry forms for this free competition are avaialble from Special Occasions and Creative Photography in Stanford le Hope and the The Little Sproggs Company, Corringham.

Prizes will be presented at the Salvation Army Carol Service on Sunday, December 15 at 2pm.