County Council-run tourist attraction Shugborough is celebrating a bumper year after announcing its final event of the 2009 is officially sold out.

All tickets for Santa at the Farm this weekend have been snapped up a whole week ahead of the event.

This follows crowds of over 8,500 flocking to the estate for its four renowned Candlelit Christmas Evenings - two of which sold out - earlier this month. During October, the Halloween event was also a sell out as were the all new Picnic Movie Nights in the summer.

In addition, day visitors across the year were 10 per cent up and the new programme of Murder Mystery meals and themed evenings also sold out.

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Enterprise, Cllr Michael Lawrence, said: "It is wonderful to see that so many people enjoyed Staffordshire's jewel in the crown tourist attraction in 2009.

"The developments at Shugborough over the last few years have seen it transform into a fascinating working historic estate with hands on activities, lively costumed characters, magnificent exhibitions, spectacular events and a terrific atmosphere."

Although the estate is now closed until March, there are still several exciting activities taking place at Shugborough for visitors to enjoy. These include a popular winter walks programme including homemade soup and cake and a series of sumptuous themed meals including a Forties dinner, a Valentine's Evening and a Mother's Day lunch.

Cllr Lawrence said: "Plans are already underway to make 2010 even more successful than 2009 with the opening of an authentic servants' bedroom and a summer display of breath-taking Sculpture in the Gardens. There will also be an even larger events programme with some very exciting new events yet to be unveiled."