SHOPPERS will be given a helping hand in the romance stakes during the build up to St Valentine's Day.
The winner of a competition at Darlington's Cornmill Shopping Centre will be presented with a diamond ring on February 14, at the end of the five-day event.
The ring will be set inside an ice sculpture on show in the centre, and shoppers will be invited to guess how long it will take for the ice to melt and reveal the prize.
On St Valentine's Day, Century FM, which is sponsoring the Darlington Town Centre Management-run event with the Cornmill Centre, will hold a special roadshow.
Other prizes on offer during the competition, which starts on February 9, include a a romantic break and free chocolate hearts being handed out.
The event has been organised to encourage more people to visit the town centre during the winter months.
January to March is traditionally a difficult period for retailers.
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