Shoppers in Axminster are being invited to show their support for the town's beleaguered local traders in the final critical run towards Christmas.

With many traders 'on their knees' after months of coronavirus restrictions, Totally Locally Axminster is this week launching a Christmas Trail in which the reward for loyalty could be one of four £50 shopping voucher prizes.

All shoppers have to do is gather six different loyalty card stamps when they spend £10 at any of more than 20 participating businesses.

The trail opens this Thursday (December 3) and runs until Wednesday, December 23rd, with the prize draw taking place the following day.

Voucher prizes will then be available to spend with one of the local participating traders until January 31st 2021.

The inspiration behind the trail comes from Jane Rockett of Axminster Printing, a family business that has served the town for more than 51 years.

"It has been a pretty desperate year for all of us," she said.

"While a lot of traders are on their knees right now, there is in the Axminster community a strong instinct to support one another in good times and bad. I think that will now surface more strongly than ever."

Jane encouraged traders wishing to participate who haven't yet received Christmas Trail action packs or need self-inking stamps to contact her as soon as possible on 01297 32266.

Meanwhile, Totally Locally Axminster is also co-ordinating extended opening hours until 6.30pm on Friday, December 18 and Tuesday, December 22. More details will be available in a few days.

For all those Axminster shops reopening from lockdown this week, Axminster Nub News is offering a FREE business listings. Just visit our Local List page and click the black 'Nub It' button to enter your details or call Philip Evans on 07796 951 991.

Don't forget to also let us know about anything special your business is offering in the run-up to Christmas to be added to the Nub News Virtual Christmas Market, launching this week.