LYDNEY traders have organised a Christmas event this weekend as part of a campaign to raise the profile of the town.

The event, on Saturday (December 8), runs from 12pm until 4pm in the High Street and features Santa’s grotto, market and food stalls, Christmas songs and music, mulled wine and mince pies and hot chocolate.

Many of the traders will also be offering special discounts as part of the event.

One of the organisers, Kathy Howell, said: “Lydney is rapidly expanding with the building of new houses increasing the number of the people in area.

“With Christmas fast approaching, businesses in Lydney want to make sure people are aware of what’s available on the High Street and what’s available locally.

Kathy, who runs DK Furnishing, said: “Lydney has a lot to offer – there’s more here than people may be aware of.”

Local independent businesses include card and gift shops, beauty salons, cafes, collectables, florists and hairdressers.

Kathy added: “It’s always worth checking out what’s available locally – our customers are important to us and we want to make sure that what we sell them is exactly right for them.

“Local shops go that extra mile to look after their customers and by shopping locally, you’re helping to keep a local business open, which often means employment for other local people.”