WINTER Wonderland is giving charities an early Christmas gift by handing out almost £30,000 worth of free tickets to its festive attraction.

The indoor Christmas theme park, run by former Bridgewater High School pupil Tammy Silcock, will be at EventCity from December 12 to January 3.

A total of 1,500 tickets will be given away to north west charities who have until November 20 to apply.

Appleton resident Tammy would particularly like to hear from charities whose work benefits children and their families, disadvantaged young people and bereaved families.

Successful charities will be contacted on November 26 for the charity day on December 14 between 4.30pm and 8.30pm.

Tammy, of Kingpin Events, whose family has five generations of fairground experience, said: "We’re extremely excited about bringing Winter Wonderland back to the north west this Christmas – and we’re particularly looking forward to welcoming charities for their preview evening.

"Last year’s charity evening proved a huge success and was very humbling for everyone involved. It was very special and our guests thoroughly enjoyed being among the first visitors to enjoy the Winter Wonderland experience."

New to Winter Wonderland for 2015 is The Magical Van Buren Show.

Andrew Van Buren will be bringing a mix of magic, illusions, escapology and circus skills with a show that has been performed at Blackpool Tower Circus, the Brit Awards and The Royal Albert Hall.

There will also be The Sooty Show, Christmas Circus, the chance to meet Santa, stilt walkers, fairytale characters and more than 40 rides and attractions.

- Winter Wonderland is at EventCity at the Trafford Centre from December 12 to January 3. Tickets are £19.50 or free for under threes.

Family tickets are available and there are concessions for large groups, schools and pensioners.

For more information visit winterwonderlandmanchester.com

- North west charities can apply for free Winter Wonderland tickets by emailing winterwonderland@billelms.com with details about the charity, registered charity number, their logo and the number of tickets they require. Charities will be chosen at random.