THE hunt is on to find Taunton's most heart-warming, quirky and bizarre Christmas gifts.

Coach operator National Express wants to uncover the town's most inspiring and unusual presents.

 

From the heart-warming to the romantic, the quirky, funny and downright bizarre, the coach company wants to hear from people across the UK, including Taunton.

 

People are invited to share their stories by emailing christmas@nationalexpress.com or tweeting the coach company using the hashtag #nxpressies.

The most unusual Christmas present chosen will win a short break in the UK including free coach travel, while National Express will also offer free coach travel to any stories it re-tweets.

To kick off the search coach company employees have shared memories of the most memorable presents they have ever received.

In a staff survey many revealed they received engagement rings after romantic partners popped the question on Christmas Day, while others said they received far more unusual – and bizarre tokens of appreciation on December 25.

One staff member reported opening a Georgian wig stand, while another was surprised to receive a 17th Century death warrant issued by King Charles II to a rogue lord.

Heart-warmingly though, favourite presents were those from children, with many treasuring handmade items from little ones such as a necklace made from macaroni and family photos taken by and framed by kids.

National Express Managing Director Tom Stables said: “We’ve got the Christmas period all wrapped up this year with more coaches than ever before, including on Christmas Day when no trains are running.

"Now we want to hear about the most memorable things people have unwrapped during their Christmasses past.

"Whether the gifts are thoughtful or funny, or just completely unexpected and bizarre we want to hear about all the amazing things which have been gifted under Christmas trees in Taunton.”