ONE of Britain’s best-loved comediennes will be in the Lake District next week to launch an exciting new venture at a top tourist attraction.

The creator of such comedy classics as Acorn Antiques and Dinnerladies (CORRECT), Victoria Wood will return to the World of Beatrix Potter, in Bowness, on Thursday (July 28), to open the Potter Places Treasure Trail.

As part of its birthday celebrations, the centre has teamed up with the National Trust to host a very special treasure trail, which runs until the end of August.

Wood, who lived in Silverdale for 10 years and Morecambe for two, said: “The trail seems like really good fun because it is about people getting out and about and treasure hunts are always good fun.

“Two of my really good friends are Roger Glossop and Charlotte Scott (owners of the attraction) and they asked me to open the attractiont 20 years ago, so of course I have to be there for this. I love coming to the Lake District. I just think it is beautiful and it is the North - so it is a good combination. I do visit a lot and we did a play in Bowness two years ago at The Old Laundry, which went well.”

The comic star will switch on the special event web page hosted on the GoLakes website, which will reveal 35 Potter-associated locations dotted around Cumbria.

For those who take part there will be more than £5,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, with the top prize worth £2,000 - a limited edition presentation set of gold sovereign coins minted in 1991, plus a basket of Peter Rabbit collectibles.

There will also be five runners-up prizes worth over £500 each, which include a limited edition sculpture, created by world-renowned Sheffield-based sculptor Anthony Bennett as well as a basket of Peter Rabbit collectibles.

The 35 locations chosen all have a link with Beatrix Potter in some shape or form, either property she owned, locations that interpret her life and work, shows she judged at or properties owned by her relatives.

Printed copies of the form and participation information will also be available at the attraction in Bowness and at National Trust places, Beatrix Potter Gallery, in Hawkshead, or Tarn Hows information point.

Andy Poole, chief executive of the centre, said: “The Potter Places Treasure Trail is set to be an exciting event and marks a significant milestone, the attraction’s 20th birthday.

“The attraction has constantly developed over the last 20 years, offering something new for people to see each year, with even more exciting developments in the coming years for future generations of visitors to enjoy.”