GAZETTE readers have the chance to win big thanks to our new competition.

Today we launch our Bid to Win promotion, which will see readers take part in a secret auction for their chance to win top prizes including a stay for eight people in a Majorcan villa and a pair of tickets to Lionel Richie’s sold-out gig at London’s O2 arena at the end of March.

Special vouchers, which vary in value, will be printed in the Gazette every day.

Readers need to collect as many as possible to build up “cash” to bid for their chosen prize. The winner of each item will be the person who submits the highest unique bid.

Readers can club together with their friends and family so they have more money to play with.

Prizes include dinner, bed and breakfast and treatments for two people at Greenwoods Hotel and Spa, in Stock, and one night’s bed and breakfast with dinner and wine for two at the Park Inn, on Southend seafront. A pair of tickets to Tenerife, Faro or Alicante, a pamper package, and Lee Stafford hair products are also available.

Younger readers have not been forgotten about, with a day out at Marsh Farm, in South Woodham Ferrers, and a child’s bike up for grabs.

All bids must be submitted to the Gazette, at Severalls Industrial Estate, Colchester, by Friday, March 13.

The first voucher is in today's Gazette.