Saffron Walden Business Improvement District (BID) is encouraging people to support the town's retail and hospitality businesses during the festive season.

BID chair Shara Vickers said: "We need to help drive the message home to Saffron Walden residents that this Christmas it’s vital that they shop in our town centre before they click online.

"High streets across the country are struggling and we are no exception here in Saffron Walden.

"The message is very clear, if local people don’t use their local high street shops, there is a real danger they could be lost."

This year the BID team has created 'Snap it with Santa' selfie stands in Jubilee Gardens and Market Row.

Winning entries can be uploaded at www.saffronwaldenbid.co.uk/christmas-selfie-entry for a chance to win a local shopping voucher.

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The BID has also worked with Audley End Miniature Railway to produce six Christmas videos showing the faces behind over 30 town centre shops.

From December 11 to 29, the BID is running its 'Santa's Reindeer Round Up' train in partnership with the tourist information centre (TIC).

Participants need to find all the reindeer hiding in shop and business windows in the town, with a cuddly prize from the TIC upon completion.