A COOPERATIVE of independent traders is running free coaches to bring Christmas shoppers to their high street.

The Love Boroughbridge traders have teamed up with Dodsworth Coaches, of Boroughbridge, to bring shoppers from Harrogate and York to and from the town on Saturday (December 8) as part of a drive to counter tough trading conditions.

On their arrival, the shoppers will be welcomed by a brass band, cheerleaders and an official welcome party headed by the Mayor of Boroughbridge, Councillor Graham Archer, and president of Boroughbridge Chamber of Trade, Barbara Lambert-Hill.

Shoppers visiting the town will be given offer vouchers, visit a Christmas tree festival at the town’s St James’s Church, buy pies made for the day by Greenwood Butchers and watch Christmas cookery demonstrations at the Old Foundry Kitchen by TV chef Stephanie Moon.

Love Boroughbridge spokeswoman and chamber member Louise Leong said: “We know, if we want people to use their local shops, then we have to do something different to make it worth their while.

“Sitting around moaning about how tough things are isn’t going to make them any better.

“We hope providing some free transport for the day, offering discount vouchers and a little entertainment will make doing a spot of Christmas shopping in Boroughbridge a pleasure."

The coaches will leave Clifford’s Tower, in York, and Crescent Gardens, in Harrogate, at 10.30am, making the return journey from Boroughbridge at 1pm.