HOLIDAYS and cash are up for grabs as Southend Airport is hosting a new scavenger-hunt competition for lucky holidaymakers. 

Now in its third week, easyJet holiday vouchers, cash and more are being hidden across Essex as part of the airport's new six-week competition with Cash Hunt Essex.

Every week, clues hinting at a secret location in the county will be posted on the airport's social media. The first person to find the hidden prize wins it on the spot.

Prizes range from a family holiday for four to Reus, Spain, worth more than £1,000 to a Christmas getaway in Paris, France.

The first "hunt" was revealed on Monday, November 4, at Essex County Cricket Club ground in Chelmsford, which included a spectacular prize bundle.

Participants had the chance to win £100 cash, the "golden ticket" offering free parking, fast track, and lounge access, two tickets to an Essex Cricket match, and a holiday voucher to Pisa, Italy worth an impressive £600.

The first winner Luke Hawes will fly from Southend Airport to Pisa next summer, and said he is looking forward to the holiday after “saving for a home” since last year.

The second voucher - a holiday to Amsterdam - was hidden in Billericay last Wednesday, and found within four and a half minutes by Charlotte Canham, from South Woodham Ferrers.

Presented the cash and holiday voucher by boxer George Liddard, Charlotte revealed she'll be taking her other half on holiday with her, and is “excited and happy” to have won.

Marketing and digital content Manager Sarah Leonard said: “London Southend has always been a gateway to adventure, and this latest collaboration with Cash Hunt Essex is no exception.

“The holiday hunt promotes our breadth of easyJet holiday destinations and aims to bring together the thrill of discovery with the joy of travel, making this an event not to be missed.”

The competition comes as easyJet prepares to open its new three-aircraft base at the airport in March, with 10 new destinations including Marrakech in Morocco, Malta and Enfidha in Tunisia. 

Participants are encouraged to stay tuned to Southend Airport and Cash Hunt Essex’s social media channels for further clues and updates.