BLITZEN the West Midland Safari Park reindeer and Santa have helped launch a campaign to promote Worcestershire as a tourism magnet for the festive season.

Destination Worcestershire, which promotes the county to tourists, has initiated the campaign to tell people about festive activities taking place in Worcestershire for Christmas.

Its website - www.visitworcestershire.org - lists information on various seasonal events, attractions and activities for all the family.

Visitors can save money by downloading money-saving vouchers for the festive fun.

People can win prizes, including a family pass to West Midland Safari Park, in a free prize draw.

Rod Nipper, Destination Worcestershire manager, said: "We are really excited about this year's Christmas campaign.

"There are so many fabulous events taking place throughout the county that we can't wait to tell people about them.

"As for attractions, the county is crammed full of them, so anyone visiting family in Worcestershire this year will be spoilt for choice.

"Even Father Christmas and Blitzen couldn't wait to hear all about it."

On hand to welcome Mr Nipper and Father Christmas, who visited the county a month early to hear about the campaign, was launch event host, Ivan Knezovich, West Midland Safari Park managing director and chairman of the Destination Worcester-shire board.

Destination Worcestershire is a public and private partnership promoting Worcestershire as a tourist destination. It provides information about the county's history, top attractions, accommodation, shops, bars and restaurants.

For more information about Destination Worcestershire, call 01905 728787 or visit www.visitworcestershire.org.