A COMPETITION has been launched in Whitchurch to help encourage shoppers to return to the high street this Christmas.

The contest, being run by Saul Mellor of Get Moving Estate Agents, launched on Monday, Sunday, November 22 and involves several businesses around town.

Saul says he wants to help out his friends in other businesses who have faced difficulties this year.

The competition is tied to the various businesses in town, with participates throwing their name into a virtual hat, with prizes to be won and is aimed at encouraging people back into the shops

Saul admits he has been 'lucky' this year, with the housing market shedding any early fears of a slump and says he wants to give something back.

"I've been quite lucky this year which is why I'm trying to help out all my friends," said Saul. "I was expecting the housing market to crash but it has skyrocketed.

"I just want to help out as much as I can.

Although Get Moving has done fine this year, a lot of the guys in town have not.

"Unless I can help getting customers into shops they might disappear."

Saul ran a similar competition following the national lockdown in March, which he says was successful and almost every business has got involved again.

"It worked well, the guys who were involved last time have got involved again," Saul added. "All bar one have got involved again.

"It's there to get people back into the high street."

The competition will run on the Get Moving Estate Agents Facebook page, with all entries free and a winner announced every working day up to Christmas Eve.

For more information on the competition, visit www.facebook.com/getmovingestateagents