A SHOP owner is enjoying an early dose of festive cheer after winning a town's first Christmas window display competition.

Susan Clark, who runs Buttons and Bows, a haberdashery store in the indoor market, Spennymoor, beat ten other traders in the town centre to land the prize plaque.

The shop window is decorated with hand-made Santa's elves and a festive scene which the judges felt was eye-catching and full of festive spirit.

Town Centre manager Wendy Benson, from the contest organiser, Town Centre Management, said the panel of judges was impressed by the high standard of all 11 entries.