A NEW Shop Local competition has been launched in the run-up to Christmas, encouraging residents to support high street businesses in Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Newent.

The Forest of Dean District Council is inviting people to post a photo of themselves or a recent purchase at a local shop, along with a short comment about why they value shopping locally.

Entries shared on Facebook or Instagram using the designated hashtags will be entered into a draw for vouchers worth up to £100.

Each of the four market towns will have its own set of prizes. First prize is a £100 Shop Local voucher. Second prize is a £50 voucher. Third prize is a £25 voucher.

Winners will be able to spend their vouchers at participating local shops, giving a pre-Christmas boost to traders during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Cllr Johnathan Lane, Cabinet Member for Economy, has already demonstrated how the entries might look, highlighting Netherend Stores in Woolaston.

In his example he said: “Netherend Stores in Woolaston has it all from tin foil and toothpaste to firelighters and Friday night snacks, and always with a friendly smile. Convenient hours make it the perfect stop for everything you need, right here in the Forest of Dean.”

The council says the competition is part of wider efforts to encourage residents to keep their spending local and to increase footfall in the district’s market towns.

It points to figures suggesting that if every adult in the district spent an extra £5 a week in local shops, more than £9 million could be added annually to the Forest economy.

Officers hope the campaign will also help people discover smaller independent businesses that they may not usually visit.

Entries will be accepted until midnight on Sunday 14 December, with winners announced on Tuesday 16 December.