Putting Christmas in the shop window

08-NOV-11

Issued by: Graeme Cook

North Tyneside traders are invited to get into the Christmas spirit and take part in the annual Best Dressed Window competition.

This year, for the first time, it will be up to shoppers, rather than a council judging panel, to decide the winners.

The public will be able to vote for their favourite shop window, from Friday, December 2 to Monday, December 19, via the council's website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk/christmas

All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to a show of their choice at PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay.

John Fleet, North Tyneside Council's town centres manger, said: "Not only will there be prizes for the best window in North Shields, Wallsend and Whitley Bay, there will also be a category for businesses not in a town centre.

"The competition always proves popular with traders and residents, but we hope the changes made to this year's contest will make it the best yet and bring a fantastic festive spirit to the borough."

Each business judged to have the best window in their category will receive a first prize of £50 while there will be runners-up and third placed prizes of £30 and £20 respectively.

Last year's winners were Swan Style on West Street, Wallsend; Lilian Bateman on Park View, Whitley Bay; and Nile Street Post Office in North Shields.

Shops must register their entry by Wednesday, November 30. They are also invited to send a photograph of their shop window, in jpeg format, which will be included on the website. To register a shop, contact John Fleet on (0191) 643 6419 or email john.fleet@northtyneside.gov.uk

ENDS