CHIRK is set to become host to one of the largest escape rooms in the region, with a Christmas special kicking it off this December.

Jess Keddie and her family are currently designing and constructing Chirk Mill Escapes, a business owned by her parents Tracy and Tony Butler.

They hope to open by December 1.

They will be introducing 'Elves Christmas Chaos’, an escape room designed for families, with features for the little ones.

Jess said: "Me and my husband have done over 100 escape rooms, and with the help of the family decided to build one.

"We have made sure that the storyline is immersive and that there is a little bit for everyone."

They are converting the old sewing room for the games, so that there is a lot of work to be done.

The couple are keeping the puzzles a secret but they have explained the plotline behind the escape room: "Manned by a hand-picked team of elite elves, these workshops are where the letters from local children are sorted, the toys are made, packed and sacked, and dispatched to the North Pole ready for the big man on Christmas Eve.

"Everything is going like clockwork until the elves, left to their own devices, decide to celebrate Christmas early, and are last seen dancing in a nightclub in the early hours. But the latest batch of toys is not yet finished – poor Penny Pickles has been forgotten!

"Have you got the skills to work as a team and help save Christmas for Penny?"

In the next month, before opening for the larger public, the team will be putting together a list of local business owners, families and enthusiasts to help them with a trial of the escape room.

As for the costs, Jenny and her family are considering the cost of living crisis, so they are planning on going below the average price.

"We want everyone to enjoy a bit of fun," she added.

"Considering prices at the moment, we want to make sure people can afford it."

The website is now in the process of being built, but they will be taking booking via the phone and email, as they are considering Resova for their booking system.

"We are looking forward to bringing some magic to Chirk," Jenny said.