Newport traders rewarded for lights of hope in dark times
Town businesspeople have been rewarded for lighting up their shop windows and spreading some cheer during a difficult period.
Newport Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas window display competition in a socially-distanced fashion this year, encouraging shopkeepers and traders to light up their windows and frontages over the festive period.
Some of the best have been given their awards, while others will receive theirs soon.
Dave Trigg at the Pheasant Inn was one of those who was honoured, and the pub's impressive display will remain in place until the weather improves and he is able to take it down.
The chamber chair Patrick Beech said: "I would like to thank all who decorated their shop windows et cetera for Christmas which boosted the look of the town following a very difficult year and I hope it shed a bit of light for the future.
"The chamber asks independent judges and we hand out various shields which date back many years.
"I would like to mention and thank Eva Allan and Kath Crewe for their continued support dating back some 20 years, and long may it continue. They are classed as the 'chamber elves'.
"Every shop owner needs a big thank you and the judges highly commended the class of display, but amongst the winners are No. 45, Kath Crewe overall shield; The Pheasant, bringing light at the top of the town; the League of Friends, charity shop award; the bathroom shop in St Mary's Street; highly praised, HoneyComb hair company.
"Owing to lockdown a few have yet to be presented.
"May I congratulate all who took part and wish everyone a very happy new year."
