Cruella De Vil took a break from kidnapping Dalmatians to present vouchers for Austins Toy Store, Newton Abbot, to the Spot the Character competition winners on Wednesday last week.

Callum Donald, nine, won first prize and was presented with a £60 token. Daniel Bailey, eight, received a £30 voucher from Sally Henley, Newton Abbot town centre manager, who dressed as Cruella for the occasion.

The fun competition saw Newton Abbot town councillors and staff dress up as various famous characters.

Costumes were loaned by fancy dress company A Dressing Up Box, Newton Abbot.

Youngsters from the area had to go round shops in the town centre, find the famous faces and get their entry card stamped to be in with a chance of winning the vouchers.

The event was organised as part of the town's bumper late night shopping evenings.

'Our town councillors are real sports and they didn't need their arms twisting to take part,' said Ms Henley.

'Everyone enjoyed the evening and it was lovely to see so many children clutching their entry forms as they roamed the town with their parents in search of the characters.'

The shops will stay open late next Wednesday, and various entertainers – including a juggler, balloon modeller and flamenco guitarist – will be on hand to ease the stress of Christmas shopping.

Father Christmas will also be in his grotto at the clock tower at various times this weekend and on Wednesday.