LAZY Sundays wins the Best Dressed Window competition for Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas.

Organised by Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce and Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas, the competition was open to all businesses on Fore Street.

Some businesses reported their best day of takings on Saturday, December 3, during Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas, with the event and the support from local traders improving every year.

Samantha Dennis, Vice Chairman of Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce, explained: ‘The event is held predominantly for the benefit of the retailers, attracting shoppers to the town on the first Saturday following payday, so they can start their Christmas shopping in our brilliant independent shops.

‘The Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce generously support groups and events such as Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas, that directly benefit their members.

This year they arranged a competition running in conjunction with Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas and open to all businesses on Fore Street to enter.

‘Businesses were judged primarily on their window displays but the judges also took into consideration their participation on the day. Some businesses supported us by advertising, others gave raffle prizes, dressed up, or set-up a stall outside.

‘A representative from each of the committees, the Kingsbridge & Salcombe Chamber of Commerce and Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas, judged the competition on the day.

‘Commendations must go to Lemon Velvet and YMCA for their tremendous efforts and beautiful window displays. The winner of this year’s competition however, and the lucky recipient of £500 worth of advertising in the Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette, was Lazy Sundays.

‘The judges were pleased to see them with a stall outside their shop, and loved the magical Christmas window display that showcased their products beautifully.

‘Another vital element of the event are the stalls, all of whom come from the local area and most of which showcase locally made products or produce. A competition was run to reward the most festive stall and we are pleased to announce that Dena Bex of Classics was the winner with some very imaginative uses of their products.

‘The judges were also impressed with the outfits and overall enthusiasm of the Young Farmers so it was decided to reward both stallholders, inviting them to join us for free at next year’s event.’

The Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce regularly runs promotions for the benefit of Fore Street in both towns including Indie Easter, hosts a private traders discussion group on Facebook and is responsible for the Kingsbridge Shops page on the site.

Membership is just £60 a year and open to everyone, not just business owners. The next Business Club meeting will be held at Maha-Bharat on January 19 and anyone is welcome to come along for free to see what it’s all about.

‘It’s a great opportunity for networking, sharing ideas, and making things happen. You can hear some fantastic speakers, stay for a delicious dinner and all straight from work as it begins at 5.30pm’ said Samantha Dennis.