SHOPS in Wotton-under-Edge are bucking the downwards trend in the high streets thanks to support from the community.

Several businesses on Long Street have reported successful trading over the Christmas period, with some describing it as their best festive period in recent years.  

Kirsten Pratt, 34, said she was thrilled with the Christmas sales she had at Cicada Deli.

"We’ve had a very, very good Christmas," she said. "We’re bucking the trend."

She puts this down to strong local support for her business.

"We’ve been quite lucky," she explained. "We’ve been well supported locally since we opened.

"People are just a lot more aware of the help needed on the High Street."

Daisy M Vintage, also on Long Street, has only been open since September, but owner Linda Russell-Jones is in her 18th year of trading in Wotton.

"This was the best Christmas on record," she said. "It’s because of local support. A lot of people shopped locally this year."

A revamp of the shop, which now stocks replica vintage items along with the second-hand finds, has also helped Daisy M thrive.

Mrs Russell said: "I want to thank Wotton and local people. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

"We all need local support."

Her husband Phillip, running It Takes Two next door, said he now got about 90 per cent of his furniture and bric-a-brac from local people.

"I love the shops," he smiled. "And I love Wotton."

Ms Pratt felt the town’s annual December shopping evening helped raise awareness of the High Street traders.

She said: "Lots of people discover shops on their doorstep that they didn’t know about."

Trevor Mason, a committee member for the Wotton Chamber of Trade, said he was pleased with the good news in a time when many town's and cities were struggling to maintain a healthy High Street.

He said: "Niche businesses certainly seem to have struck a chord with the community."