A TREASURE hunt with a difference is creating lots of fun and excitement.

Howdens Joinery in Winsford has come up with an imaginative challenge to encourage the community to raise money for charity.

Staff are hiding 500 pebbles painted red with their signature golden chicken around Winsford, Moulton, Davenham, Barnton, Tarvin, Tarporley, Delamere and Winnington.

Store manager Jo-Anne Cribbin said: "I don't know how I thought of it but everyone is so excited about it. It has created a really good buzz.

"We've had over 100 returned so far and there are plenty more out there. Keep your eyes peeled for our pebbles and if you find any bring them back to us. Each pebble is worth £1 to the charity you choose.

"They're in different places. We've tried to put some around the schools for home times.

"We've had lots of primary school children but also some grown-ups so it's attracting people of all ages."

Goody bags are being given to children who bring back pebbles.

Buckets for The Joshua Tree and the neonatal unit at Leighton Hospital are set up in the Winsford depot for people to deposit their finds.

The team is also running free pebble painting sessions every Saturday from 8am to noon until October 14 at the store on Road One.

"We are also doing a pebble painting competition," added Jo-Anne. "If kids want to post their best pebble onto our Facebook page, the best one will win a £50 Argos voucher."

People are also being invited to guess the weight of a humongous rock outside the depot loaned by a garden centre.

A public Facebook page called Howdens Charity Rocks has been set up by the team to keep residents who are taking part up to date with their pebble finds.