THE countdown to Christmas starts now! With just weeks to Christmas, start planning your perfect Christmas with a trip to the Festive Gift Fair at The NEC, from November 18 to 21.

The Festive Gift Fair has been held at The NEC for the past nine years and it is a testament to its success that it has grown bigger and better each year.

The fair has earned a fantastic reputation among dedicated Christmas shoppers as the place to go to find interesting and unusual presents in a unique and fun environment.

For four days in November, The NEC is transformed into a treasure trove of wonderful gifts and glittering decorations, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere in which to browse and shop, plus live music, carol singers, demonstrations and other festivities will entertain you.

There's eye-catching jewellery, designer handbags, beautiful tree decorations, beaded party wear, stylish decorative accessories, great gifts for cooks, delicious liqueurs, elegant candles, hand-made soaps that look good enough to eat, personalised CDs for kids, the latest beauty products and unusual arts and crafts - literally something for everyone.

To make life easier on the day, you can leave your purchases in the Present Creche while you continue to browse or stop for a glass of bubbly at The Champagne Bar and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Tickets are available from The NEC on 0121 767 4151 or on-line at www.necgroup.co.uk/boxoffice, priced £6.95 in advance, plus £1 transaction fee. For concessions, contact the box office. Tickets on the door cost £8.50.

The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with the organisers to run a competition where 10 readers can each win a pair of tickets to the event.

To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question:

What colour is Rudolph's nose?

by November 8.

Normal Newsquest rules apply.