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The 100 winners of an unusual Facebook competition spent a night at IKEA's Lakeside branch in Essex where they were treated to bedtime stories and goodie bags.

More than 98,500 people joined the 'I wanna have a sleepover in IKEA' Facebook group, with the hope of winning a place on the exclusive list of 100 who would get to spend a night in the Swedish furniture store.

Winners were obliged to don their favourite pyjamas and complimentary slippers, before indulging in manicures, massages and movies.

They also received goodie bags containing an eye mask, windup flashlight, midnight snack and towel. Sam Faiers, a star of television show 'The Only Way Is Essex', even turned up to read bedtime story 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'.

A sleep expert was also invited to the slumber party to provide the winners with tips on choosing the perfect mattresses and bedding to get the ultimate night's sleep, after a survey conducted by IKEA found that 70 per cent of adults do not believe they get enough sleep but 72 per cent spend just ten minutes selecting a mattress.

Lights were turned out at 11pm, and the guests were woken at 6.30am by soothing sounds played over the loudspeaker.

The event followed a similar event in Australia last March, when IKEA invited female flat pack fans to enjoy a sleepover at its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne stores and enjoy a 'night of chick flicks, pampering and waiter service from handsome men'.

IKEA is also planning to host a 'Bring Your Own Friend Event' in Bloomington, Minnesota, on 14 January. For every friend that is invited to the event via Facebook, the furniture company will donate $1 to children's charity Save The Children up to a maximum of $50,000. At the event, a free breakfast will be on offer, as well as massages, Swedish food sampling and free design consultations.

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