JUST in time for Easter, The Great Meerkat Hunt will be coming to Tavistock Pannier Market this weekend.

Starting this Saturday, the meerkat hunt gives participants the chance to win various prizes after they embark on an epic trail to find fluffy toy meerkats hidden in and around the market.

The family-friendly event will be running for two weeks, throughout the Easter holidays.

Andrew Facy, events organiser on behalf of the federation of market traders, said the event would be fun and exciting for people of all ages.

Andrew said: ‘It is sure to be a fun activity for all!

‘Those taking part can collect a trail sheet from various places in the market. Theses sheets have clues, which will lead people to find the meerkats hidden around and outside of the market.

‘The market hunt is completely free but we are asking people to donate what they can to St Luke’s Hospice.

‘Everyone who completes the trail will get two adult tickets, for the price of one, to gain entry to Dartmoor Zoo! Also, everyone who completes the trail, and finds all the meerkats, will be entered into a special prize draw.’

‘Some of the prizes up for grabs include an Xbox One with games, donated to us from Tesco, a laptop given by ABC Services as well as a Storm Watch, donated by the Watchman in Tavistock.

‘We would like to say a big thank you to Dartmoor Zoo for donating tickets worth £7,500. We would also like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting the event.’

‘The Great Meerket Hunt will be running for two weeks, over the Easter holidays. Please come along, have some fun, get your hands on zoo tickets and be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes!’

Also during the Easter period, 50 Tavistock shops and businesses are participating in an exciting Bunny Hunt.

Running until Easter Saturday, shoppers and visitors to Tavistock are encouraged to be on the look out for 50 bunnies hidden around the town.

Entry forms are available from Mainly Stationery, and when you’ve found all 50, you take the form back to store and are asked to submit it with a 50p donation for Woodside’s rescue rabbits.

Participating businesses and shops have a bright yellow bunny paw print stuck to a window or door. They are all contributing a prize.

Entries close at noon on Easter Saturday and a winner will be announced at 3pm at Pet Fest.