Bidder scoops 'castle Christmas'

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The chance to spend Christmas Day with up to 30 guests at Warwick Castle enjoying a seven-course banquet has been won in an auction for £27,000.

The castle was put up for private hire on the online auction eBay with a reserve price of £25,000.

It will be the first time in 31 years that Christmas has been celebrated at the castle, which is the only day of the year it is closed to the public.

The Earl of Warwick sold it in 1978 to the Merlin Entertainment group.

Tailored menu

The auction closed earlier and includes champagne breakfast in the library, followed by present opening around a 25ft (7.6m) tall Christmas tree in the Great Hall accompanied by live music.

Guests are permitted unrestricted access to the estate's 65 acre grounds, drawing room, smoking room and games room, before sitting down to a seven-course feast from a menu designed in conjunction with the private party.

Staff will be on hand to serve refreshments and offer guided tours of the medieval castle's ramparts, towers and dungeons.

The prize also includes a private fireworks display in the courtyard and two nights luxury accommodation in a hotel nearby.