Independent businesses in Gorleston have banded together to create a festive atmosphere for a Christmas display competition.

Great Yarmouth borough mayor Adrian Thompson visited the stores down Bell's Road, chatted with the owners and inspected their festive fronts to judge them.

Eastern Daily Press: Mayor Adrian Thompson who judged competition and Jayne Biggs from Heart 2 Heart.Mayor Adrian Thompson who judged competition and Jayne Biggs from Heart 2 Heart. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Stitches, a fabric shop owned by Julie Hooley, won the award with their homemade display.

Mrs Hooley said: "I'm very happy to have won.

"It was a really lovely idea."

Eastern Daily Press: Winners Stiches with their hand made gingerbread house.Winners Stiches with their hand made gingerbread house. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Mr Thompson said: "All shops did fantastic.

"It's encouraging to see independent businesses down Bell's Road helping each other and thriving.

"And that's what they're doing."

Rhea Gaze, manager and baker at Margo's Lounge, said local businesses can offer customers something different.

"A lot of people will come in just to have a chat with us.

Eastern Daily Press: Rhea Gaze, manager and baker at Margo's Lounge and Mayor Adrian Thompson.Rhea Gaze, manager and baker at Margo's Lounge and Mayor Adrian Thompson. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

"They end up being friends rather than customers.

"We can also easily work with other businesses and put something together such as this.

"And that is better for everyone."

For more information about Bell's Road, visit their Facebook page.

Eastern Daily Press: Doggy Styles' festive decorations on display down Bell's Road.Doggy Styles' festive decorations on display down Bell's Road. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Mayor Adrian Thompson visits Sharon Thomson from no. 36 theartworkshop on Bell's Road.Mayor Adrian Thompson visits Sharon Thomson from no. 36 theartworkshop on Bell's Road. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Margo's Lounge helped band other businesses on Bell's Road together for the event.Margo's Lounge helped band other businesses on Bell's Road together for the event. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Mayor Adrian Thompson inside the winning store, Stitches.Mayor Adrian Thompson inside the winning store, Stitches. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Julie Hooley, of Stiches, won the award for best Christmas shop front.Julie Hooley, of Stiches, won the award for best Christmas shop front. (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)