Some of the country’s best-known creative figures took part in a Shakespeare-themed treasure hunt through Stratford before putting their heads together to decide on the nationwide Fresh Awards winners.

The event was organised by Leamington Spa-based recruitment agency Big fish to allow the judging panel to come together for an evening of fun before deciding on the marketing, advertising, PR and digital talent to make it at this year’s awards.

The Fresh Awards’ judging panel is made up of some of the best-known figures in the creative industries including advertising legend Bill Bungay, who alongside renowned Brummie Trevor Beattie, devised the infamous FCUK campaign and the Hello Boys Wonderbra ads.

Creative directors from TV production company Hat Trick Productions, the company behind Father Ted and Whose Line is it Anyway?, advertising agency Publicis and digital agency AKQA also formed part of the panel.

The judges took on the role of high level artefact and book finders tipped off by a trusted informant about an undiscovered and very valuable Shakespeare manuscript.

They were told that the informant’s body was found in the River Avon before he could share the location of the book.

Armed with only a set of clues and a basic “survival” kit consisting of maps, emergency money, a compass, important telephone numbers, a notepad and pens, the judges were split into teams and sent out around the town in search of vital information to lead them to the manuscript.

Nicola Kleinmann, managing director of Big fish, who worked with Leamington-based agency Edge Live, devised the evening to help the judges get to know each other and see Stratford in a different light.

“When you have some of the most creative minds in the country, you need to keep them active and on their toes, and we certainly did that.

“It was fantastic to be able to give the judges an opportunity to experience Stratford in a fun and imaginative way, as well as to showcase just how creative the West Midlands region is.

“I’m sure they won’t forget their stay, and the venue for next year’s judging panel will have a lot to live up to.”

Fresh Awards organiser Paula Kelsey added: “Shakespeare is one of the most brilliant creative minds in history and it’s great to be in his birthplace to assess this year’s entries.”

“A fantastic example of creative thinking, this evening’s event was a perfect way for the judges to come together as part of the three-day judging process and have fun. We continually get a high number of entries.”

The Fresh Awards will take place on September 30 with the nominations announced next Monday.