County puts Christmas shopping in the frame

* Carys on set.

Denbighshire County Council has produced a short film to highlight what is on offer for shoppers on local high streets during the festive period.

The two-minute clip features the story of a family completing their Christmas shopping in Denbighshire with all gifts bought from local traders in the county.

The film also features a ‘magical’ twist, a special mystery star as well as giant six-foot teddy bear Carys, made especially for the video by Sarah Chapman of Bilberry Bears in Llandegla.

The video will be launched on November 24 and will be available to view on Denbighshire County Council’s website, YouTube and social media.

A competition will be launched to win the bear, with full details to be revealed after the launch of the video.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “The aim of the video is to showcase the wealth of local businesses we have here in the county.

“Shoppers don’t have to leave the county to get what they need for Christmas, everything from bespoke gifts to everyday essentials are all available right here in Denbighshire.

“The purpose of the film is to encourage and inspire local people in Denbighshire to think about visiting their local shops before shopping online or visiting shops outside of the county.

“Money spent locally stays in the local economy and benefits everyone in Denbighshire.

“This film is a really heart-warming Christmas tale which will keep viewers well and truly entertained.

“The great thing about this short film is that everything is local, the actors are local, the shops are local, everything featured is local.”

The film also features stunning aerial footage filmed across Denbighshire.

Tudor Jones, aged 48, is the owner of Trefor Jones clothes shop in Ruthin, a family-run business which has been open for 39 years and one of the locations used in the film.

He said: “Local shops offer something different. People need to see what is on their high streets, we are asking for a chance. People will often go out of the county without thinking of their local stores first.”

Mark Davies, aged 56, is the owner of Rhuddlan Models, another location used in the film.

He said: “It is important to remind shoppers what is available in the locality. It is important to get that message out.

“People should give small businesses a chance. A lot of the time they sell products at the same price as online retailers but without postage costs. We offer a face to face service. If you buy from a local shop, the money stays local.”

As well as supporting local businesses by producing the Christmas video, Denbighshire County Council is offering free parking at council-run car parks after 3pm throughout December and is continuing to run its #LoveLiveLocal shopping campaign.